63 dead, 147 injured in magnitude 6.9 quake in northern Cebu

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu, with its epicenter near Bogo City.

The death toll has reached 63, with officials warning it could rise.

At least 147 people were injured across northern Cebu, most of them in Bogo City.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stated that the government is assessing the damage and needs of the affected areas and has tasked government agencies to mobilize help for the residents.

The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed four medical teams to the affected areas.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will cover the hospital expenses of those injured, including treatment in private hospitals through a no-balance billing policy.

Widespread power outages continue, and many commercial establishments remained closed pending safety inspections due to significant structural damage.