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MANILA, Philippines — A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern Mindanao at 7:37 a.m. on June 8, devastating communities across Sarangani, General Santos City, and parts of Davao Occidental, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The quake, tectonic in origin, registered Intensity VIII (destructive) in General Santos City and triggered landslides, structural collapses, and widespread panic.
PHIVOLCS said the epicenter was located 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, Sarangani, along the Cotabato Trench, a major fault system responsible for several historic earthquakes in the region. The agency warned of continuing aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.5 tremor recorded hours later.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) confirmed 35 deaths as of Monday evening, with the highest number reported in Sarangani Province. A massive landslide in Glan buried several homes, killing at least 17 residents. “The landslide happened immediately after the earthquake,” Sarangani disaster chief Rene Punzalan said, describing the situation as “heartbreaking.”
Widespread Damage and Local Response
More than 130 people were injured, and dozens remain missing. Several commercial buildings in General Santos City suffered partial collapse, including a shopping center and an old school structure. Roads and bridges in SOCCSKSARGEN sustained significant damage, and power and water service were disrupted in multiple municipalities.
Local governments ordered immediate evacuations in coastal and landslide‑prone areas. Search‑and‑rescue teams from the Army, Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection were deployed across Sarangani and South Cotabato. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) began distributing food packs and setting up temporary shelters.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed agencies to “prioritize rescue, relief, and rapid damage assessment,” according to the Presidential Communications Office. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also dispatched engineers to assess structural integrity in affected cities.
Senate Majority Donates One Month’s Salary
In a significant show of solidarity, 11 members of the Senate majority bloc pledged to donate one month’s salary to support relief operations in Mindanao. The senators said the contribution reflects their collective commitment to “help communities rebuild and recover,” according to reports from the Philippine News Agency and Inquirer.net.
The pledge comes as the Senate faces an internal leadership dispute involving Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Alan Peter Cayetano, both of whom have been reported as seeking support for the chamber’s top post. As of press time, the Senate Secretariat has not issued any official notice confirming a change in leadership, and the donation was announced by the majority bloc as a group rather than through any single presiding officer.
The senators said the funds would be coursed through government agencies and vetted humanitarian partners to ensure rapid deployment of aid.
International partners, including the United Nations and the European Union, expressed readiness to support long‑term recovery efforts.
Philippine Consulate in New York Issues Statement
The Philippine Consulate General in New York (PCGNY) released an official statement expressing condolences and solidarity with affected families. The Consulate said it “extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected” by the earthquake and mourns “the lives lost” in the disaster.
PCGNY also emphasized unity and compassion, noting that it stands with all affected communities “during this difficult time” and joins Filipinos worldwide in praying for recovery and resilience. The statement concluded with a message in Cebuano: “Ang among mga pag-ampo ug huna-huna anaa uban kaninyo kaning lisud nga panahon.”
The Consulate encouraged Filipino Americans with relatives in Mindanao to coordinate with the DFA for welfare checks and announced it is mobilizing community partners for fundraising efforts.
Aftershocks and Continuing Risks
PHIVOLCS warned that aftershocks may continue for days or weeks. A magnitude 6.7 aftershock was recorded late Monday, prompting renewed calls for residents to avoid damaged structures. “We can feel the fear of the residents,” Punzalan said, noting that many families are choosing to sleep outdoors.
As Mindanao confronts the scale of destruction, national and international support continues to grow, offering hope for a long and difficult recovery.