ILOILO City – This city is mobilizing support for Bogo City, Cebu, after a deadly 6.9-magnitude earthquake ripped through northern Cebu on Tuesday night, toppling structures, claiming lives, and injuring several others.
Mayor Raisa Treñas expressed sympathy to grieving families and vowed that Iloilo will stand with Bogo City during its long road to recovery.
“I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the people of Bogo City… I can just imagine the pain of families right now who have lost loved ones and properties. My heart goes out to them,” Treñas said.
She underscored Iloilo’s readiness to provide help, stressing that solidarity is vital during calamities.
“The Iloilo City Government stands in solidarity with Bogo City and will actively seek ways to support its relief and rehabilitation efforts. As fellow Visayans, we are committed to helping our neighbors rise from this devastation and rebuild with strength and hope. For now, we join you in prayer and unity in this time of grief and recovery,” she added.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded the tremor at 9:59 p.m. on September 30, with its epicenter traced near San Remegio, Cebu. Tectonic in origin, the quake was felt across the Visayas and parts of Mindanao.
Among the hardest-hit areas was San Remegio Sports Complex in Barangay Poblacion, which collapsed while a basketball game was underway. At least three people were killed and several others injured in the incident. Victims were rushed to Bogo General Hospital but were later declared dead.
Rescue teams continue to clear debris, assess structural damage, and provide emergency relief. PHIVOLCS has also warned of possible aftershocks in the coming days.
This is not the first time Iloilo has extended a hand to disaster-hit provinces. During Typhoon “Odette” in 2021, the city mobilized resources, partnered with national agencies, and worked with civic groups to deliver relief and medical support.
Treñas said the same bayanihan spirit would guide Iloilo City’s response this time.
“We understand the challenges of rebuilding after such devastation, and Iloilo City will do its part to stand beside Bogo City as it recovers,” she said./PN
