Historic Philippines Church Collapses During 6.9 Magnitude Earthquake: Witness Accounts and Safety Warnings

Oct 01, 2025 01:41 am CST

A powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck central Philippines on Tuesday, causing the partial collapse of the centuries-old Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle in Bantayan, Cebu. Footage of the heritage church's exterior facade crumbling has gone viral on social media. While no tsunami threat was detected, local authorities advised coastal residents to stay away from beaches. The Philippines, situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," regularly experiences seismic activity, though most quakes remain too weak to be felt.