Following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani province and other areas in Mindanao, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has expressed its solidarity with those affected by the strong tremor.
CBCP Statement of Solidarity
In a statement, CBCP President Archbishop Gilbert Garcera said the prelates stand with the victims and survivors of the natural calamity. "CBCP expresses its profound sorrow and solidarity with our brothers and sisters affected by the powerful earthquake that struck Sarangani province and other parts of Mindanao," Garcera said.
He added that the CBCP grieves with families who have lost loved ones, prays for the speedy recovery of the injured, and stands in spiritual communion with all those displaced from their homes and livelihoods. "As one family in Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Their pain is our pain. Their loss is our loss," Garcera emphasized.
Earthquake Impact and Response
On Monday morning, a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck 32 kilometers south-southwest of Maasim, Sarangani. According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the death toll had risen to 37 as of 6 a.m. on Tuesday, affecting a total of 17,689 families or 77,186 individuals.
In response to the adverse effects of the quake, the CBCP chief is calling for prayers and donations for the victims. Garcera asked all dioceses and other Church institutions nationwide to pray for the victims. "I request all dioceses, parishes, religious communities, and Catholic institutions throughout the country to offer a special Prayer of the Faithful during all Masses next Sunday for the victims of the earthquake, for those engaged in rescue and relief operations, and for the swift recovery of the affected communities," he said.
Appeal for Donations
The CBCP chief also appealed for assistance through second collections to be conducted during the Sunday Masses of June 14. "I appeal to all bishops to authorize a second collection in their respective dioceses. The proceeds of this collection may be transmitted through the diocesan social action centers and Caritas Philippines to support the emergency relief and rehabilitation efforts for our affected brothers and sisters," Garcera said.
Meanwhile, Philippine Red Cross Emergency Response Units from Davao City, North Cotabato, and Davao de Oro are assisting in search and rescue operations at the collapsed Savemore structure in Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City.
