The joint search, rescue, and retrieval operation by the Bureau of Fire Protection-Special Rescue Force and the Philippine Coast Guard continues as they work to recover a man's body buried under rubble in Barangay Congan, Glan, Sarangani. The landslide was triggered by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Mindanao on June 8, 2026.
Death Toll Rises to 78
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Thursday, June 18, 2026, that the death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Maasim, Sarangani, has risen to 78. In a situational report, the NDRRMC stated that 57 bodies were recorded in Soccsksargen and 21 in the Davao Region.
Injuries and Missing Persons
The agency also recorded 1,339 injured individuals, while 30 people remain missing. According to the report, out of 346,413 affected families or 1,414,752 individuals across 573 barangays, there are still 4,449 families or 18,504 people staying in evacuation centers in 45 barangays.
Aid and Damage Assessment
The NDRRMC announced that a total of PHP 176,824,074 in assistance has been distributed to affected residents. Authorities revealed that damage to the infrastructure sector amounted to PHP 148,047,150, while agricultural damage is estimated at PHP 29,840,000.
Housing Damage
A total of 74,657 houses were destroyed by the earthquake, of which 60,976 were partially damaged and 13,681 were totally damaged.
Earthquake Details
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. and was recorded 32 kilometers south-southwest of Maasim, Sarangani, with a depth of 33 kilometers, causing strong shaking across a large part of Mindanao.
