A magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Maasim, Sarangani on June 8, 2026, claiming 65 lives, leaving 36 missing, and injuring 1,447, the Office of Civil Defense reported on June 15.
Widespread Impact and Damage
The quake affected 736,386 individuals (176,186 families) across 512 barangays in Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Over 70,000 people remain displaced, with 18,423 in evacuation centers and 51,978 outside. Damage includes 58,576 houses (11,302 destroyed, 47,274 partially damaged), 728 infrastructure facilities with losses of ₱1.13 billion. Fourteen local government units declared a state of calamity.
Hardest-Hit Areas
Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental recorded 72,552 affected individuals and 18 missing persons due to landslides. The DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau logged 78 landslide incidents in Davao Region and Soccsksargen. Infrastructure damage includes the Carahayan Bridge, schools, and government buildings, with portions of the national highway blocked by debris.
Relief and Recovery Operations
Government agencies continue relief operations. The Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed 125,242 family food packs, 7,428 ready-to-eat food packs, and 6,990 non-food items. Financial assistance of ₱36.68 million was released, with total humanitarian aid valued at ₱124.95 million. OCD Undersecretary Harold Cabreros confirmed immediate needs like food, water, and temporary shelter have been delivered to General Santos City, Glan, and Jose Abad Santos. However, shelter remains a major challenge.
Cabreros said the government coordinates with local units, humanitarian organizations, and international partners for relief and long-term recovery. OCD Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV noted that DSWD, DOH, DepEd, DPWH, AFP, PNP, PCG, and BFP continue operations.
Aftershocks and Preparedness
As of June 15, DOST-Phivolcs recorded 6,144 aftershocks (78 felt), the strongest at magnitude 6.4. Officials urge vigilance. The National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill is scheduled for June 18 at 9 a.m., emphasizing disaster preparedness.
