Cebu archdiocese orders church inspection after 6.9 magnitude quake

Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy has ordered a structural inspection of all churches and rectories within the archdiocese following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

The instruction came after the seismic activity caused damage to several churches and resulted in at least 60 fatalities.

Parishes in the northern parts of Cebu, which were heavily impacted, have been advised to cease using their church buildings until safety assessments are completed.

The earthquake's epicenter was traced off Bogo City in northern Cebu and struck late evening on September 30, 2025.

The century-old Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan town partially collapsed and officials are now considering its restoration.

Church officials are collecting debris from the shrine, such as rocks and coral stones, to be used in restoration and reinforcement efforts.

The Materials Research Conservation Division of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines has advised caretakers of historic objects not to enter damaged structures without coordination due to expected aftershocks.