THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is urging all concerned local government units (LGUs), especially those in affected areas, to immediately implement critical response and preparedness measures following the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Bogo City, Cebu at 9:59 PM on Tuesday.
According to PHIVOLCS, the epicenter was located 19 kilometers northeast of Bogo City at a depth of 5 kilometers. Intensity VII (Destructive) was reported in Bogo, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Tabuelan, and Cebu City, while Intensity VI (Very Strong) was felt in parts of Masbate and Negros Occidental. A total of 379 aftershocks, ranging from magnitude 1.4 to 4.8, have been recorded as of 4:00 AM, October 1.
In response, the DILG urged LGUs to convene their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs), activate Emergency Operations Centers and Incident Management Teams, and mobilize Barangay DRRMCs for close monitoring of weakened structures and geohazard areas. Local Chief Executives must lead rapid damage assessments, prioritizing critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and lifelines.
Evacuation of communities in high-risk zones is strongly advised. LGUs must ensure the structural safety of evacuation centers and public buildings, and utilize open spaces as temporary shelters where needed. Vigilant monitoring of old or damaged structures is critical, particularly in areas prone to landslides or further shaking from aftershocks.
LGUs are also reminded to activate their contingency and public service continuity plans, conduct resource inventories, preposition emergency supplies, and coordinate with neighboring LGUs, national government agencies, and the private sector for humanitarian support. Communication lines must be operational, and timely updates must be relayed through television, radio, and social media to keep communities informed.
The DILG said small-scale mining operations in affected or high-risk areas must be suspended immediately for safety.
To support these actions, DILG Regional Offices are directed to activate their respective Emergency Operations Centers and the Disaster Online Reporting and Monitoring System (DORMS). Local governments are also reminded to implement the minimum critical preparedness actions outlined in the Operation L!STO Earthquake Preparedness Manual, accessible at https://bit.ly/LISTO-Earthquake. Hazard assessment tools such as HazardHunterPH (https://hazardhunter.georisk.gov.ph) must be used to evaluate local risk and inform planning. All advisories from PHIVOLCS should be closely monitored via https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph
The DILG emphasizes that the success of response and recovery efforts depends on the immediate, coordinated, and proactive leadership of LGUs. With the threat of continuing aftershocks, swift and decisive action is non-negotiable.
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