The country’s major political forces launched separate relief and response efforts after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off Sarangani on Monday, June 8, killed at least 37 people, injured hundreds, and sent emergency crews into damaged areas across Mindanao.
The Office of the Vice President under Sara Duterte deployed its Kalusugan Food Truck to General Santos City to support frontliners conducting search, rescue, and retrieval operations. The OVP served hot meals through its Disaster Operations Center and Southern Mindanao Satellite Office for responders working under difficult conditions after the quake.
“The Office of the Vice President recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of our frontliners who continue to serve under difficult and hazardous conditions,” the OVP said.
President Bongbong Marcos said the earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday morning and triggered tsunami warnings across several coastal provinces in Mindanao. He ordered relevant government agencies to act immediately, with the Office of Civil Defense and the NDRRMC coordinating disaster response and monitoring across affected areas.
Marcos directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to pre-position relief goods and prepare evacuation centers. He also placed the Department of Public Works and Highways on standby to inspect roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure, and to clear routes needed for rescue and relief operations.
Marcos suspended classes in all levels across affected areas in Mindanao until further notice. He also urged residents in coastal provinces to move to higher ground. “Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind,” Marcos said.
Former Vice President Leni Robredo also expressed support for affected communities in General Santos City and other parts of Mindanao as Angat Buhay, the foundation she founded, carried out relief operations. “Our hearts go out to those affected by the strong earthquake in Gen San and other parts of Mindanao,” Robredo said.
Angat Buhay, through Angat Generals and its local GenSan partners, distributed hot meals and bottled water to evacuees of Soccsksargen General Hospital, which the group described as heavily affected by the earthquake. Robredo thanked the local volunteers for immediately starting relief operations.
According to the Office of Civil Defense figures cited in the provided report, the quake killed at least 37 people, injured 456, and left four missing. Search, rescue, and retrieval teams focused their operations on General Santos City and Sarangani, while authorities assessed damage to homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and other critical infrastructure across affected areas.
