This is the moment a rescue dog searched through rubble for earthquake survivors in the Philippines.

Footage shows staff from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), accompanied by a barking canine, combing through a destroyed building on October 2.

The mission focused on a collapsed apartment-style hotel on Mansueto Street in Lourdes Village, Bogo City, Cebu.

Philippine seismological agency PHIVOLCS said the magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Cebu province at 9:59 pm local time, at a depth of 5 kilometres (3 miles).

Authorities reported at least 68 fatalities from an initial tally of 72, with around 559 injured.

The quake triggered widespread power outages and flattened buildings, including a government hall and a century-old church.

PHIVOLCS seismology chief Dr Winchelle Ian Sevilla said: 'At least in the last 400 years, the fault that generated the earthquake there only moved again now. So it took a long time to move, that is why it was strong. This is based on our catalogue.'

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said: 'I am already in touch with national agencies and the Office of the President to ask for reinforcements.'

The province is a popular tourist destination and a major economic hub in the country's Visayas region.