Cebu City: A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines late on September 30, sending shockwaves of destruction across Cebu province and prompting immediate safety measures by the Catholic Church. In response, newly-installed Archbishop Alberto Uy of Cebu has ordered all churches in the affected areas to undergo thorough structural inspections before resuming public services. “Faithful are urged to refrain from using your churches for the celebration of the Holy Mass until proper experts have assessed and declared the structures safe,” Archbishop Uy said in an official statement.

The quake’s epicenter was located off the northern tip of Cebu Island near Bogo City, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. By October 1, Philippine authorities confirmed nearly 60 fata

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