Mindanao Earthquake — Senator Lito Lapid today expressed deep sympathy for residents across Mindanao following a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the region early Monday morning, June 8, 2026.
The tremor, which occurred at approximately 6:42 a.m., was felt across multiple provinces, with the strongest impact reported in South Cotabato, Sarangani, and General Santos City. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed the quake was tectonic in origin and warned of possible aftershocks in the coming days.
In a statement released from his Senate office, Lapid called on the public to join him in prayer for those affected by the disaster.
“Let us pray for our fellow Filipinos who were devastated by the calamity that hit South Cotabato, Sarangani, and General Santos City. I wish for the safety of our countrymen, especially those in vulnerable communities and remote areas who may be harder to reach,” Lapid said.
The senator noted that the earthquake also affected parts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Zamboanga Peninsula, and the Davao Region. Local authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage, with initial reports indicating structural damage to buildings, power outages, and disruptions to communication lines in several areas.
Lapid urged national government agencies and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs) to mobilize immediately to conduct search, rescue, and relief operations. He emphasized the need for rapid deployment of emergency supplies, medical teams, and engineering personnel to assess infrastructure integrity.
“We must act swiftly to assist the victims of this earthquake and to mitigate any further risks. Coordination between national agencies and local governments is critical at this time to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most,” he added.
The senator also reminded the public to remain vigilant, follow safety protocols issued by PHIVOLCS and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic.
Senator Lapid’s office said it is coordinating with disaster response clusters to monitor the situation and identify additional support that can be extended to affected LGUs.