A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck offshore Maasim, Sarangani at 7:37 a.m. on June 8, 2026, causing widespread panic and triggering a tsunami warning across several regions in Mindanao. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the earthquake generated tsunami waves up to 1.4 meters above normal tide levels, recorded in Maasim, Kiamba, Kalamansig, Mati City, Zamboanga City, and Tandag City. After a two-hour monitoring period, only minor sea level fluctuations were observed, and the tsunami warning was officially lifted.
Casualties and Damage
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported 19 fatalities and 134 injuries as of June 8. Of the deaths, 16 occurred in the Soccsksargen Region and three in the Davao Region. In Davao Occidental, three deaths were recorded: one in Barangay Mabila due to a collapsed business establishment, one in Barangay Patuco from a landslide, and one in Barangay Konel from a damaged mosque.
In South Cotabato, two deaths were confirmed: one from falling debris and another from cardiac arrest following the earthquake. Structural damage included collapsed buildings in General Santos City, such as a three-story commercial building housing a Jollibee restaurant and Love Radio station, parts of SM City GenSan, and Notre Dame of Dadiangas. A bridge in Tapon, Glan, Sarangani was destroyed, and a portion of the national highway in San Felipe, Tantangan, South Cotabato incurred cracks. In Davao City, the southbound lane of Bolton Bridge 1 was temporarily closed pending structural assessment. An unoccupied school building at Matanao National High School in Davao del Sur collapsed, but no casualties were reported as the building had been condemned after the 2019 earthquake. The Barangay Hall in Malalan, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental also collapsed.
School and Work Suspensions
Several cities and provinces suspended classes and work. General Santos City suspended classes at all levels in public and private schools, as well as work in government offices, private companies, and institutions. Davao City suspended work and classes at all levels, with private offices encouraged to follow suit. The Provincial Government of Davao del Sur ordered work suspension from 10 a.m. onwards, while Davao Oriental suspended classes and government work. Davao del Norte suspended classes and work through its disaster council order. The municipalities of Davao de Oro suspended classes in eight towns. Davao Occidental suspended classes and work province-wide.
Government Response
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed all relevant government agencies to mobilize resources and ensure community safety, stating, "We will not leave Mindanao behind." The Eastern Mindanao Command and the 10th Infantry Division activated response mechanisms, including Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis, aerial reconnaissance over General Santos City, and standby deployment of humanitarian assistance and disaster response units. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines suspended operations at General Santos Airport for inspections.
In Davao City, authorities reported no major infrastructure damage as of Monday morning. The Davao City Police Office reported no injuries within the city. The Office of the City Building Official began structural assessments, and private building owners were directed to conduct inspections through licensed structural engineers. The Department of Public Works and Highways and local engineering teams inspected bridges, public buildings, and other critical infrastructure.
Tsunami and Seismic Activity
Phivolcs attributed the earthquake to movement along the active Cotabato Trench, which was also responsible for the devastating 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami. The earthquake produced strong ground shaking, including Intensity VII in General Santos City, capable of causing damage to vulnerable structures. Authorities continue to monitor aftershocks and assess damage across affected provinces, with emergency responders on standby for additional operations.
