ILOILO City — Fear and anxiety spread swiftly across Iloilo City on Friday morning, October 10, as tremors from the powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off Manay, Davao Oriental rippled hundreds of kilometers away, jolting even the Visayas.
Although the quake’s epicenter was far south, the terror it spawned was enough to send Ilonggos rushing out of offices, classrooms, and homes.
Within minutes, Mayor Raisa Treñas suspended all classes and government work as a precaution.
“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,” Treñas said in an advisory.
The mayor likewise ordered the Office of the Building Official (OBO), City Engineer’s Office (CEO), and Facility Conservation Office (FCO) to inspect the Iloilo City Hall and other public structures for possible damage.
“Safety first, mga pinalangga naton nga Ilonggos. Even if we did not see immediate signs of damage, we cannot be complacent. We need to make sure that all our public buildings, schools, and offices remain structurally sound,” she added.
Initial checks showed no cracks or structural issues, but the city government opted to continue a comprehensive safety assessment. Private establishments were likewise urged to conduct their own inspections before resuming operations.
“Let us prioritize the well-being of everyone. Earthquakes are unpredictable, and preparedness is always our best defense,” Treñas said.
The Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) was placed on heightened alert to monitor possible aftershocks and assess reports of damage. As of press time, no major incidents were reported in the city.
THE QUAKE THAT SHOOK MINDANAO AND BEYOND
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake occurred at 9:43 a.m., with a depth of 10 kilometers.
It was initially recorded at magnitude 7.6 before being revised to 7.4 shortly before noon.
The tremor was felt at Intensity V in Davao City and Intensity IV in Bislig, Surigao del Sur, while instrumental intensities reached Intensity V in parts of Davao de Oro, Misamis Oriental, South Cotabato, and Southern Leyte.
PHIVOLCS warned of possible aftershocks and damage in affected areas. Tsunami alerts were briefly raised in coastal towns across Mindanao and parts of the Visayas.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. immediately assured the public that government agencies were on the ground conducting assessments and coordinating evacuation efforts.
“We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe,” Marcos said. “I have directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, the Armed Forces, the Philippine Coast Guard, and all concerned agencies to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas, activate emergency communication lines, and coordinate closely with local governments.”
The President also said search, rescue, and relief operations are being readied.
“The Department of Social Welfare and Development is pre-positioning food and non-food items, while the Department of Health is ready to provide emergency medical assistance,” he noted.
“To our kababayans in the affected regions, please stay alert and calm. Move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities declare it safe. Follow all instructions from your local disaster councils and barangay officials. Your safety is our top priority,” Marcos added.
The Davao Oriental earthquake came barely a week after Bogo City, Cebu was hit by a magnitude 6.9 quake that left 74 casualties — a grim reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic disasters. A strong shaking was also felt in Iloilo.
For many Ilonggos, Friday’s tremor was brief but unnerving — a chilling echo of the devastation hundreds of kilometers away, proving that even distant quakes can shake not just the ground, but also people’s sense of calm./PN
