Cebu archdiocese orders church inspections 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 earthquake, which struck off Bogo City in northern Cebu on the evening of September 30, 2025, caused damage to several churches and resulted in at least 60 fatalities.

Parishes in the northern parts of Cebu, including the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan which partially collapsed, have been advised to cease using their buildings until safety assessments are completed.

Other affected churches include Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol in Bantayan Island, St. Martin de Porres Parish in Tabogon, San Sebastian Martyr Parish in Borbon, and San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in San Remegio.

Despite damage to structures, the retablo image of Santa Rosa de Lima remained intact, while an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary in San Sebastian Martyr Parish was broken.

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