It rocked the province late Tuesday night.
At 9:59 pm, a strong, but shallow, earthquake struck the city of Bogo in Cebu province.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), it was a Magnitude 6.9 (upgraded from the initial M6.7) quake that was tectonic in origin.
It had a depth of just 10 kilometers below the surface and its tremore was able to be felt with varying intensities across the province and as far as nearby islands of Samar and Leyte.
Since then, aftershocks have been recorded, with the strongest being Magnitude 5.0 nearly 25 minutes later at 10:24 pm.
As such, PHIVOLCS also advised the public in the provinces of Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran to be on alert for unusual waves.
It also added that “People are advised to STAY AWAY FROM THE BEACH AND NOT TO GO TO THE COAST of the following provinces until the cancellation of this advisory.”
The state sesimology bureau added, “People whose houses are located very near the shoreline of these provinces are advised to MOVE FARTHER INLAND.“
Lastly, “Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal water of the above-mentioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront. Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised.”
The advisory was later canceled by PHIVOLCS at past 1:20 am on Wednesday, October 1.
Damages around Cebu City and other towns have also been recorded, with the facade of the centuries-old Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Bantayan Island having partially collapsed during the shaking.
As of 3:30 am, five casualties have also been confirmed in San Remigio, including one BFP personnel, three PCG personnel, and one child, according to local authorities.