A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck near Bogo City, Cebu, in the early hours of Monday, October 13, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The quake occurred at 1:06 a.m. at a depth of 10 kilometers and was tectonic in origin, Phivolcs said in a statement.
Shaking Felt Across Central Philippines
Instrumental intensities were recorded as follows:
Intensity V – Villaba, Leyte
Intensity IV – Danao, Asturias, Argao City, Talisay, Cebu City (Cebu); Isabel, Hilongos, Ormoc City, Abuyog (Leyte); Hinunangan (Southern Leyte)
Authorities warned of aftershocks and possible structural damage, while assessments are ongoing in the affected provinces.
A Series of Major Quakes
Monday’s earthquake comes just two weeks after a magnitude 6.9 tremor devastated northern Cebu, killing at least 74 people — the strongest quake recorded in the region’s history.
It also follows back-to-back earthquakes in Manay, Davao Oriental, last Friday, where twin tremors measuring 7.4 and 6.8 magnitudes left eight people dead.
In the days since, a 6.0 quake struck Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, and a 5.0 tremor hit Cabangan, Zambales, highlighting the archipelago’s high seismic activity.
Nationwide Code Red Alert
In response to the string of strong earthquakes, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has raised the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (NDRRMC) to Code Red status — the country’s highest alert level.
The alert mobilizes officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), along with personnel from the Departments of the Interior, Social Welfare, Public Works, and Health.
Under Code Red, all response clusters are activated to coordinate rescue, relief, and recovery operations both on the ground and via virtual emergency platforms.
Frequent Seismic Activity
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) reminded the public that the Philippines experiences around 30 earthquakes per day, due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire — a region where several active faults intersect.
Officials emphasized that the recent string of strong earthquakes, though alarming, falls within the country’s historical seismic patterns.
Authorities continue to monitor aftershocks and urge residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow official safety advisories.
