LOOK: Itbayat church, ancestral homes damaged in Batanes earthquake

MANILA, Philippines (4th UPDATE) – Batanes was rocked by a magnitude 5.4 earthquake early morning of Saturday, July 27, followed by aftershocks, and a stronger magnitude 5.9 earthquake.

The tremors left at least 5 people killed, many others hurt, and homes and heritage structures badly damaged.

Here are photos of the historic Sta Maria de Mayan Church taken in the same morning – the first hours after the magnitude 5.4 earthquake that struck east of Itbayat at 4:16 am.

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 2 posted this later photo past 8 am – after a stronger magnitude 5.9 earthquake also struck east of Itbayat – which showed a tilting bell tower.

DAMAGED. The Sta Maria de Mayan Church was built in 1888. Photo from PIA Region 2

The bell tower eventually fell off.

FALLEN TOWER. The Sta Maria de Mayan Church lost its bell tower following the series of earthquakes that hit Itbayat, Batanes, on July 27, 2019. Photo by Dominic De Sagon Asa

Residents were advised to remain outdoors as aftershocks were expected.

EVACUEES. Residents of Santa Maria in Itbayat, Batanes have evacuated to the plaza after the series of earthquakes on July 27, 2019. Photo by Analyn Dita Nico