Rescuers say at least 19 people have been killed after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit the central Philippines late on Tuesday, local officials have told the Agence France-Presse.

Among them, 13 were killed in Bogo, a city near the northern tip of Cebu island and close to the epicentre, AFP reported, citing Bogo rescuer Cherry Oliamot.

One other person was killed in the Cebu town of Tabuelan, according to its mayor, in addition to five fatalities rescuers earlier reported in the town of San Remigio to its north.

It's almost 07:30 local time in the Philippines (23:30 GMT).

The Municipality of San Remigio has suspended classes and work until further notice, "in light of continuing earthquake aftershocks and in consideration of everyone's safety".

They urged residents to remain "vigilant" and observe the necessary precautionary measures, especially in the event that "evacuation becomes necessary".

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology have both confirmed there is no ongoing tsunami threat, following a two-hour observation period to track sea level changes.

The Philippines lies in the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where volcanic activity and earthquakes are common.

In a video update posted five hours ago, Cebu provincial governor Pam Baricuartro said that equipment had been dispatched to clear roads and assist in rescue efforts.

She confirmed that "relief goods and medicine" had been allocated, and they would be delivered once confirmation had been received that "roads are passable".

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake has struck the Philippines overnight, collapsing buildings and killing at least five.

The shallow quake occurred at just before 22:00 local time (13:50 GMT) along the northern tip of the island of Cebu, which is home to 3.2 million people.

The United States Geological Survey recorded the depth of the quake as 10 km and recorded multiple aftershocks in the region.

Recovery efforts have been ongoing overnight, with the death toll expected to rise.