A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck northern Cebu on Friday night, shaking several towns and cities but causing no reported damage or injuries, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
The tremor hit at 9:59 p.m. and was traced to an area 10 kilometers northeast of Bogo City with a depth of 11 kilometers. PHIVOLCS said the quake was tectonic in origin and categorized it as an aftershock of the stronger magnitude 6.9 quake that rattled the province last September 30.
Residents in Bogo City, San Remigio, Medellin, and Daanbantayan reported brief shaking that caused some to run outdoors. In Cebu City and Mandaue, light tremors were also felt in several barangays.
“I was about to go to bed when the bed moved for a few seconds,” said Marites Olarte, a resident of Bogo. “It wasn’t strong, but it was enough to scare the kids.”
PHIVOLCS assured the public that no damage or casualties are expected from the incident, though mild aftershocks may still occur. “Aftershocks are normal following a major quake, but this one isn’t strong enough to cause structural harm,” the agency said in a bulletin.
Local disaster teams under the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) immediately conducted assessments across northern towns. As of early Saturday, officials confirmed that no major infrastructure or public utilities were affected.
Governor Gwen Garcia urged residents to remain calm but prepared, emphasizing the importance of disaster readiness. “Let’s always be alert but not panic. Our response teams are on standby,” she said.
The September 30 magnitude 6.9 quake — the strongest to hit Cebu this year — caused minor landslides and damage to homes and schools in Bogo and neighboring municipalities. Since then, PHIVOLCS has recorded a series of smaller aftershocks in the region.
Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity in Cebu as part of ongoing safety measures.