The death toll in the strong earthquake that struck Cebu Province Tuesday night has climbed to 69, and hundreds more are injured, with widespread destruction across many towns.
According to official reports from the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CPDRRMO), the fatalities were recorded as follows: 30 in Bogo City; 22 in San Remegio; 12 in Medellin; five in Tabogon; and one each in Sogod and Tabuelan towns.
The CPDRRMO has confirmed that the death toll may continue to rise, with more injured and missing individuals are still being accounted for.
Among the dead in San Remegio were three personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and one from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 7, who perished after the collapse of the San Remegio Sports Complex during the tremor.
The PCG identified its fallen personnel as Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, Apprentice Seaman Jujay Mahusay, and Apprentice Seaman Ert Cart Dacunes. All three were rushed to Bogo General Hospital but were declared dead despite the efforts of attending physicians.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan mourned the loss, saying, ‘We extend our sincere condolences to the families of our fallen personnel. Their dedication to the service and camaraderie with our fellow uniformed men and women will always be remembered. The PCG stands in full solidarity with their loved ones and will ensure that they receive the utmost support.’
The BFP, meanwhile, confirmed the death of Fire Officer 2 Allier Vincent Negro Catadman, who was also trapped when the sports complex collapsed.
In a statement, BFP Region 7 described him as a true public servant: ‘Your loved one was a true hero, selfless, valiant, and committed to serving the Filipino people until his last breath. His legacy of bravery and sacrifice will forever inspire the Bureau and the communities we serve.’
Police reports said the victims were competing in a basketball tournament for the town’s Mayor’s Cup, which had drawn crowds of hundreds of residents. One of the officiating committee members, Jude Destura, was also reported dead as a result of the earthquake.
According to police reports, a brief power outage further fueled panic among the crowd, leading to a stampede as people rushed to exit the premises. Emergency medical treatment was immediately sought for the victims, but unfortunately, they were soon pronounced dead.
Tragedy also struck in SM Cares Village, Barangay Polambato, Bogo City, where eight individuals died following the collapse of eight housing units.
DSWD Disaster Response Management Group Undersecretary Diana Rose M. Cajipe and DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero personally visited affected families to extend assistance. Among those mourning is Lito Catarman, who lost his son, pregnant daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren in the tragedy.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured bereaved families of burial assistance, financial aid, and Family Food Packs. As directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the agency will provide P10,000 in cash aid to each family of the deceased and cover funeral expenses.
‘The DSWD Field Office 7 – Central Visayas is now accounting for the number of casualties and their locations. Our social workers are coordinating with the bereaved families to inform them of the Department’s assistance,’ said Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, DSWD spokesperson.
The Cebu Provincial Hospital in Bogo City was overwhelmed with casualties, as body bags lined up outside its compound. To assist bereaved families, a booth for the issuance of death certificates was set up near the hospital.
Among the fatalities was a mother and her 1-year-old daughter in Barangay Binabag, Bogo City, after a boulder rolled down and crushed the wall of their house.
Provincial Governor Pamela Baricuatro emphasized that saving lives remains the highest priority as search, rescue, and relief operations continue. As of 3:54 p.m. yesterday, at least 293 residents suffered various injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.
BFP-7 Regional Director FCSUPT Fred Linazan Trajeras Jr. has since joined the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in coordinating multi-agency rescue and retrieval efforts across affected areas.
The PCG District Central Visayas has also deployed six highly trained Search and Rescue (SAR) dogs with handlers to Northern Cebu to help locate possible trapped survivors and support ongoing response operations.