The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) has called for the protection of frontline workers as rescue operations continue after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Sarangani province and other parts of Mindanao on June 8, 2026.
In a statement released on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, the FFW emphasized that occupational safety and health (OSH) standards must be fully applied to all workers involved in emergency response efforts.
"We urge the government to ensure the absolute safety, proper protective equipment, and administrative care of our first responder workers, who are currently assisting in critical rescue and disaster management operations," the FFW said. "Frontline responders and public sector workers risk their lives for the public, and the state must guarantee that their safety is protected while they perform their functions and duties in hazardous environments."
The labor organization called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to conduct OSH inspections in all affected workplaces. The FFW insisted that DOLE must ensure compliance with OSH standards before allowing work to continue or resume following the disaster.
"The FFW issues an urgent, uncompromising call to the national government and the DOLE to immediately conduct rigorous OSH inspections of all workplaces, commercial establishments, and buildings across the affected regions," the statement added.
The FFW also urged DOLE regional directors, safety officers, and employers across Mindanao to issue work stoppage orders if necessary. "Work in compromised structures must not resume until official clearance is issued," the group stressed.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Sarangani province on Monday morning, June 8, and was felt across several areas in Mindanao. The quake caused significant damage, with many buildings damaged and some collapsing during the tremor.
