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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cebu Archbishop orders structural assessment of churches after 6.9-magnitude earthquake

Cebu Archbishop orders structural assessment of churches after 6.9-magnitude earthquake

Published Oct 1, 2025 10:55 am
Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy orders safety inspections of churches after the 6.9-magnitude quake in northern Cebu, with damaged parishes pausing Mass until cleared by experts. (Photo from The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu / Facebook)
Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy orders safety inspections of churches after the 6.9-magnitude quake in northern Cebu, with damaged parishes pausing Mass until cleared by experts. (Photo from The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cebu / Facebook)
Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy has directed all parishes and rectories under the Archdiocese of Cebu to undergo structural assessments following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu on the evening of September 30.
Through Archdiocesan Chancellor Msgr. Renato Beltran Jr., the Archbishop emphasized that churches in severely affected areas must refrain from holding Mass until safety certifications are issued by competent experts.
“To the parishes in the North that have been gravely affected, you are asked to refrain from using your churches for the celebration of the Holy Mass until proper experts have carried out the assessment and declared the structures safe for use,” the advisory read.
Earthquake details, aftershocks
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the earthquake at a magnitude of 6.9, with its epicenter located 21 kilometers northeast of Bogo City at a depth of five kilometers. The tremor struck at 9:59 p.m.
Latest data from Phivolcs showed over 600 aftershocks recorded as of 7 a.m. on October 1.
Churches sustaining heavy damage
Several historical and heritage churches in northern Cebu were badly affected, including:
- Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Bantayan Island – The oldest church in the Visayas and Mindanao, built in 1580; its top portion collapsed
- St. Martin de Porres Parish, Ilihan – Walls and roof damaged
- San Juan Nepomuceno Parish, San Remigio – Altar destroyed
- Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima, Daanbantayan – Partial collapse of the facade; described as a “very well-preserved heritage landmark”
The earthquake caused significant casualties and injuries, according to reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and social media updates, including the Cebu People’s Action Center.
The quake also disrupted power and prompted the suspension of classes across Cebu.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Uy called on the faithful to remain strong and united in prayer.
“We continue to pray to our Loving Father for calmness and strength in the midst of these trials. We entrust ourselves, our families, and our communities into His merciful hands. May the Lord shelter us under His wings, protect us from every harm, and guide us to safety and peace,” the advisory read.
The Archdiocese of Cebu said it will continue monitoring the situation and ensure that all church buildings are assessed for safety before resuming religious services.

Related Tags

Cebu earthquake 2025 Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy church damage Cebu Archdiocese of Cebu earthquake aftershocks Cebu heritage church damage Cebu Cebu disaster update
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