ILOILO – The series of recent strong earthquakes that jolted parts of the Visayas has placed Iloilo on heightened alert, triggering province-wide structural inspections and renewed calls for a permanent earthquake monitoring station.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed that two major tremors—the magnitude 6.9 quake in Bogo City, Cebu on Sept. 30 and the magnitude 7.4 quake offshore near Manay, Davao Oriental on Oct. 10—were both felt in Iloilo and surrounding provinces. The back-to-back seismic events have intensified public concern and prompted immediate responses from local authorities.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. ordered the suspension of work and classes across Iloilo to allow thorough assessment of possible damages, while the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management was directed to study the creation of a permanent earthquake monitoring station in the province.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) also issued an urgent directive for the inspection of schools, hospitals, bridges, highways, government buildings, and other high-risk structures. Local disaster risk reduction and management councils, engineering offices, and building officials were instructed to mobilize their teams without delay.
In Iloilo City, Mayor Raisa Treñas promptly implemented precautionary measures. “Following the earthquake felt this morning, all classes in all levels, both public and private schools within the territorial jurisdiction of Iloilo City, are hereby suspended effective immediately to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school personnel,” she declared.
A magnitude 1.7 tremor was later recorded in Dumangas, Iloilo at 11:14 p.m. on Oct. 11, further adding to residents’ anxiety.
PHIVOLCS clarified that the Cebu and Davao Oriental earthquakes are unrelated, easing fears of a chain of connected seismic events.
The Department of Science and Technology–PHIVOLCS operates the Philippine Seismic Network composed of 121 monitoring stations nationwide—30 manned and 91 satellite telemetered. In Western Visayas, three manned stations are located in Roxas City (Capiz), San Jose de Buenavista (Antique), and Ibajay (Aklan), with satellite stations in Duenas (Iloilo) and Jordan (Guimaras).
These stations provide real-time earthquake monitoring and accurate information dissemination to strengthen local preparedness. PHIVOLCS also continues to monitor active faults and trench zones across the country to identify areas susceptible to major seismic events.
Authorities are urging residents to maintain emergency kits, develop family communication plans, and stay updated on advisories as monitoring continues across the region./PN