DAVAO CITY (June 8) — A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday morning, June 8, sending residents across Southern Mindanao rushing outdoors, damaging buildings, disrupting transportation, and prompting tsunami warnings in several coastal areas.
The earthquake struck at 7:37 a.m., just as thousands of students were arriving at schools on the first day of classes in many parts of Mindanao. The tremor, generated by movement along the Cotabato Trench, was felt across Regions 11 and 12, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and neighboring areas.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the earthquake occurred offshore near Sarangani at a depth of about 33 kilometers. The agency warned of possible aftershocks and tsunami activity, recalling that the same geological structure was responsible for the devastating 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami.
Casualties and Structural Damage
Authorities confirmed at least one fatality and several injuries as rescue operations continued in affected areas.
In General Santos City, emergency responders reported the collapse of several structures, including residential buildings and commercial establishments. Videos circulating on social media showed a shopping center housing a Jollibee restaurant reduced to rubble, while another building inside a school campus also collapsed.
Power outages were reported across Sarangani Province and General Santos City, with restoration efforts ongoing as of midday Monday.
Initial damage reports also emerged from Davao City, Koronadal City, Tacurong City, and several municipalities in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani.
Panic in Schools
The earthquake struck during school opening activities, causing panic among students, teachers, and parents.
In North Cotabato, residents rushed to schools to fetch their children after the strong shaking. Many students were seen crying as they gathered in open spaces for safety.
In Davao del Sur, emergency responders and Coast Guard personnel assisted students of Sta. Cruz National High School after several reportedly suffered minor injuries or fainted during the evacuation.
At Matanao National High School, an abandoned building previously damaged during the 2019 earthquake collapsed during the tremor. School officials said no one was injured because students, teachers, and parents were assembled outside for the flag ceremony when the quake struck.
Government Suspends Classes, Offices
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of classes in earthquake-affected areas and directed national government agencies to immediately conduct disaster response and relief operations.
Local governments across Mindanao also suspended classes and government work as authorities assessed structural damage.
BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua ordered the suspension of classes and government office activities throughout the region to allow inspections of school buildings and public facilities.
“I have instructed concerned agencies to ensure the safety of everyone and conduct necessary structural assessments,” Macacua said.
He also directed BARMM’s disaster response teams and emergency agencies to remain on alert for any developments.
Tsunami Warning Issued
Following the offshore earthquake, Phivolcs issued tsunami advisories for several coastal provinces, including Sarangani, Davao Occidental, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay.
Residents living along coastlines were advised to move away from beaches and low-lying coastal areas and follow instructions from local authorities.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center likewise warned that tsunami waves could affect coastlines in the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan, and Papua New Guinea within hours of the earthquake.
As a precaution, the Philippine Coast Guard suspended all watercraft operations in Davao Occidental, including fishing boats, passenger vessels, and commercial vessels.
Airport Operations Halted
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines temporarily suspended operations at General Santos City Airport while engineers conducted safety inspections of airport facilities and navigation equipment.
Passengers were advised to coordinate with their airlines regarding flight schedules and possible delays.
Continuing Vigilance
Phivolcs recorded Intensity 7, classified as destructive, in General Santos City, while instrumental intensity reached Intensity 8 in parts of Sarangani.
At least two significant aftershocks were reported during the morning, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain alert and avoid entering damaged structures until they have been inspected.
Emergency responders, local governments, and national agencies continue to conduct damage assessments and monitor affected communities as Southern Mindanao recovers from one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in recent years.
