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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Cracks observed in schools, gov't buildings after 5.1-Sipalay quake

Cracks observed in schools, gov't buildings after 5.1-Sipalay quake

Published Oct 8, 2025 03:34 pm
THE Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) puts up a warning sign after tension cracks were observed in five buildings of the Gil Montilla National High School following a 5.1-tremor on Tuesday, Oct. 7. (Sipalay DRRMO)
THE Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) puts up a warning sign after tension cracks were observed in five buildings of the Gil Montilla National High School following a 5.1-tremor on Tuesday, Oct. 7. (Sipalay DRRMO)
BACOLOD CITY – The Sipalay City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) in Negros Occidental reported tension and minor cracks in two schools and some government structures following the 5.1-earthquake that struck the city on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
A Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis was conducted to evaluate the extent of structural damage, assess the structural integrity and safety of various schools, and prioritize critical interventions.
The DRRMO reported that cracks on slabs and poor concrete covering construction imperfections were observed in five buildings of Gil Montilla National High School.
Authorities advised not to use these buildings until further notice.
Tension cracks in some columns of Agripino Alvarez Elementary School were also noticed.
Hairline cracks and partially damaged floor tiles were reported in market stalls in Barangay Nabulao, People’s Hall of Barangay Mambarato, Health Center in Barangay Mambarato, and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) building in Barangay Maricalum.
The tremor was felt at Intensity III, generally characterized by noticeable slightly swinging of hanging objects. Shaking was felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of buildings, according to the CDRRMO. Dizziness and nausea were experienced by some people, they added.
The CDRRMO said that all damaged facilities remain under assessment to determine repair or reinforcement needs.
Ptolemy Maniego, Science Research Assistant at the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, said the tremor was felt at Intensity I in Bago City, Negros Occidental, and Intensity II in Iloilo, though no major damage or casualties were reported.
Students at Sipalay City National High School (SCNHS) exited their classrooms after shaking was felt in their school buildings. However, classes resumed shortly after the tremor, but teachers reminded students to stay vigilant.
In a media interview, Sipalay City Mayor Gina Lizares said that she felt two quakes,  one at 5:30 a.m. and the stronger 5.1-magnitude tremor later in the morning.
She noted that while Sipalay is situated near the Negros Trench and is no stranger to seismic activity, they remain cautious following the 6.9-quake in northern Cebu and series of aftershocks.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported three quakes in Sipalay City on Tuesday morning, with magnitudes of 3.5 at 5:58 a.m., 4.9, and 5.1 at 8:04 a.m.
Maniego clarified that the tremors in Negros were from a local fault, separate from the geological structures that triggered the Cebu earthquake.
Local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely to ensure public safety.

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Sipalay City Negros Occidental Earthquake
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