President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Thursday visited northern Cebu to assess the situation in areas devastated by the powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the province earlier this week, leaving at least 72 people dead and hundreds injured.
The President arrived around 10 a.m. in Barangay Polambato, Bogo City-considered the hardest-hit area-where nine residents were confirmed dead inside the SM Cares Village, a relocation site for victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda.
Accompanying President Marcos were Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Bogo City Mayor Mayel Martinez, 4th District Rep. Sun Shimura, and other local officials.
Marcos also visited the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish to inspect quake damage and met with the priests. He later proceeded to the Cebu Provincial Hospital, where he spoke with survivors and assured them of government support.
According to the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), as of 6 a.m. Thursday, October 2, 2025, fatalities have climbed to 72-30 in Bogo City, 22 in San Remigio, 12 in Medellin, five in Tabogon, and one each in the towns of Tabuelan, Borbon, and Sogod. Nearly 300 people were reported injured, many of whom remain confined in hospitals across the province.
Need more help
In Tabuelan, residents appealed for urgent assistance as they continue to endure dire conditions. Resident Jess Colongan reported the absence of water supply, electricity, medical aid, mobile signals, gasoline stations, and even access to ATMs.
He said many families are sleeping outdoors or in makeshift tents, fearing strong aftershocks.
‘Our mayor and local officials are doing their best, but we still need help. Water and medical assistance are the most urgent,’ Colongan said, calling on friends, donors, and higher government offices for immediate relief.
Authorities said relief operations are being scaled up, but access to mountain barangays and hard-to-reach communities remains a major challenge.