08/06/2026
Statement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following the destructive magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Maasim, Sarangani Monday morning.
'A strong earthquake has struck off the coast of Sarangani this morning, and a tsunami warning is now in effect across several coastal provinces in Mindanao.
I have directed all relevant government agencies to act immediately.'
'The Office of Civil Defense and the NDRRMC are now coordinating disaster response and monitoring across all affected areas. The DSWD has been directed to pre-position relief goods and ensure that evacuation centers are ready and operational.'
'The DPWH is on standby to assess damage to roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure, and to clear routes needed for rescue and relief operations.'
'I am also ordering the suspension of classes in all levels across affected areas in Mindanao until further notice. The safety of our children comes first. DepEd will coordinate with local government units on this.'
'To our kababayans in the affected provinces, please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind.'
'The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind. I am in constant communication with our regional offices and local chief executives on the ground.
Updates will be provided as the situation develops.'
The earthquake was initially reported at magnitude 7.0 but was later upgraded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to magnitude 7.8.
It struck at 7:37 a.m., with its epicenter located approximately 125 kilometers northeast of Sarangani. | via Luisa Cabato, INQUIRER.net
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