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DSWD: 40,000 relief goods targeted for distribution this week 

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY: FRANCINE ALYXIA PALMES AND MARINA VILLEGAS/CMU Interns

THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) aims to distribute 40,000 relief goods to earthquake-affected residents in the municipalities of Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani in Davao Occidental by this week. 

During the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday, June 15, Merlinda A. Paragamac, DSWD XI assistant regional director for operations, said the delivery of relief goods has been fast-tracked, particularly in interior and upland barangays such as Quiapo, Molmol, and San Isidro. 

“Supplies are being transported through aerial drops due to limited access, and because of transportation constraints, double food packs are being delivered to residents in these upland areas,” she stated. 

Last week, DSWD had already allocated a total of 22,459 relief items to affected communities, including 1,389 non-food items, 2,200 ready-to-eat food packs, and cash assistance for 13 hospitalized beneficiaries.

The official also said that newly identified sitios excluded from the initial assessment are now receiving supplies through military air assets.

Meanwhile, Ednar Dayanghirang, regional director of the Office of the Civil Defense XI, recognized the initiative of Jose Abad Santos Mayor Jason John Joyce in helping the most-affected families. 

Dayanghirang noted that Joyce proposed a strategy allowing sari-sari stores to provide goods on credit to barangay captains, with the expenses to be charged to the local government’s account.

He acknowledged the effort to ensure that affected residents receive immediate assistance while the delivery of relief packs is experiencing delays. 

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JTF Agila airlifts aid to quake-isolated Davao Occidental, Sarangani villages

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

MILITARY transport helicopters have flown dozens of emergency sorties to drop off tons of food and clean water to coastal and mountainous villages in Davao Occidental and Sarangani Province that have been completely cut off by landslides following the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake.

Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) mobilized Black Hawk helicopters to bypass ruined road networks and bridge collapses that currently paralyze conventional ground transportation.

During a five-day air bridge operation running from June 11 to 15, aircrews braved intermittent bad weather and treacherous terrain to deliver 4,925 food packs, 800 five-kilogram rice bags, 3,400 bottles of water, 100 containers of 20-liter potable water, and 440 additional boxes and cases of assorted relief goods.

The air assets loaded life-saving supplies from the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Lais, Malita, Davao Occidental, and from Rajah Buayan Air Base before flying them directly to makeshift landing zones in the hardest-hit areas.

The aerial supply drops successfully reached isolated residents in Barangays Molmol, Quiapo, San Isidro, and Sitio Makina of Barangay Kalbay in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, as well as Barangay E. Alegado in Glan, Sarangani Province.

On the ground, specialized disaster response teams from the 1002nd Infantry Brigade—including their specialized Female DRT—spearheaded the grueling physical logistics of loading, unloading, and distributing the cargo alongside local government personnel and volunteers.

Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of JTF Agila, praised the joint crews and ground teams for maintaining the critical air bridge despite acute logistical bottlenecks and localized hazards.

“Disasters test not only our capabilities but also our compassion as a people,” Luzon stated. “While access to some communities remains challenging, our troops, together with our partners from government agencies, LGUs, and humanitarian organizations, remain committed to ensuring that assistance reaches every affected family.”

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Death toll in Sarangani 7.8 magnitude quake climbs to 33; price freeze enforced on basic goods

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE PROVINCIAL government of Sarangani recorded 33 deaths, along with 251 injured individuals, after a Magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the province on June 8, according to the PDRRMC consolidated report posted on its Facebook page on Saturday, June 14.

The 24 confirmed deaths were due to landslides and covered by fallen debris in Glan municipality: three are from Tango; E. Alegado (2); Tapon (1); New Aklan (3); Pangyan (2); Kapatan (1); Calpidong (2); Burias (1); Poblacion (5); Calabanit (2); and Rio del Pilar (2).

Meanwhile, the other nine are in Tuyan (3); Poblacion (1); Lun Padidu (2); Sapu Masla (2); and Daan Suyan (1) due to drowning; struck by rolling heavy boulders; covered by fallen debris; and landslide.

The province also reported 251 injured and 15 still missing.

Affected families climbed to 57,843, while 428 families are in the evacuation centers.

The earthquake left  17,854 partially damaged homes, and 5,565 were totally damaged.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Sarangani has implemented a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities following the declaration of a State of Calamity in the province.

There will be no increase in the prices of covered basic goods across the province, effective June 10 to August 9, 2026.

DTI directed all covered establishments within Sarangani province to observe the price freeze. 

Any act of overpricing, hoarding, profiteering, or refusal to sell may be punishable by imprisonment of up to 15 years and/ or fine of P5,000-P2 million, under the Price Act.

Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao announced on Thursday that the emergency protocols, safety sweeps, work adjustments, and face-to-face class suspensions established under Executive Order No. 33, series of 2026, are extended from June 11 to 17.

“This extension is in view of the provincial declaration of a state of calamity and the ongoing disaster response operations,” Pacquiao said, noting the provincial government continues to monitor the seismic situation in real-time.

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St. Peter extends free funeral and deathcare services for SOCCSKSARGEN earthquake victims

by Contributor
written by Contributor

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – St. Peter Life Plan and Chapels has announced immediate assistance to families and communities affected by the devastating Magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the southern coast of Mindanao on June 8, 2026.

In line with its mission of service and compassion, St. Peter is offering completely free funeral and deathcare services to families who lost their loved ones during the tragedy, extending comfort and support to grieving families in the hardest-hit areas, particularly in General Santos City and nearby communities in SOCCSKSARGEN.

The assistance is being made available immediately through operational St. Peter Chapels in General Santos, Koronadal, Davao, Digos, Malita, Calinan, and Toril, to help ensure that displaced and grieving families do not have to worry about the financial burden of deathcare during this difficult time.

“St. Peter Life Plan and Chapels stands in solidarity with our Kababayans in Mindanao. We remain committed to serving the community not only through our funeral and deathcare services but also by extending compassion, care, and support to families whose lives have been deeply affected by this tragedy,” the company said in its official statement.

St. Peter has long upheld its commitment to serving Filipino families in times of need, including during previous national crises and calamities. Most recently, the company extended free memorial services and relief efforts to families and communities affected by the Cebu earthquake, reflecting its continued mission to be present for communities during moments of grief, loss, and recovery.

St. Peter is also working closely with government agencies and local authorities to ensure a coordinated response and wider reach of assistance in the affected areas.

Families in need of help may contact or visit any of the following operational St. Peter Chapels:

  • St. Peter Chapels – General Santos

National Highway Brgy. Apopong, General Santos City
(083) 552-4077, (0999) 228-1484, (0999) 228-1486, (0977) 689-4911

  • St. Peter Chapels – Digos – San Jose
    Purok Mangga Doña Aurora Extension, San Jose, Digos City, Davao del Sur
    (082) 553-2509, (0999) 228-1292
  • St. Peter Chapels – Davao
    Km. 14, National Highway, Brgy. Panacan, Davao City
    (082) 234-6211, (0999) 228-1479, (0999) 228-1481
  • St. Peter Chapels – Malita
    National Highway, Brgy. Poblacion, Malita, Davao Occidental
    (082) 8276-1509, (0999) 228-1490, (0999) 228-1491, (0906) 160-8621
  • St. Peter Chapels – Koronadal
    Purok Masagana, 2 General Santos Drive, Koronadal City
    (0999) 228-1488
  • St. Peter Chapels – Calinan
    National Highway, Brgy. San Roque, Riverside Calinan, Davao City
    (082) 8295-3099, (082) 8286-0890, (0999) 228-1476, (0999) 228-1478
  • St. Peter Chapels – Toril
    Barrio Lizada, Toril, Davao City
    (082) 291-2763, (0999) 228-1494

For more information on St. Peter’s SOCCSKSARGEN earthquake relief efforts, visit their official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stpeterlifeplanandchapels

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Experts investigate Glan’s shifting coastline after 7.8-magnitude quake

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

A COASTAL survey in Glan, Sarangani Province, found that long stretches of shoreline, coral reef, and seagrass beds have been exposed, particularly in Pangyan Marine Sanctuary, Brgy. Pangyan, DENR XI reported on Sunday. 

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) XI said the coastal uplift was reported following the Magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani and General Santos City on June 8.

According to PHIVOLCS, coastal uplift refers to the vertical deformation of the coast in response to the upward and downward movement of the crust along a fault or subduction zone. 

The aerial survey and ground validation on June 11, conducted by the PHIVOLCS and Mines and Geosciences Bureau XII, confirmed that a coastal uplift in Barangay Pangyan raised the seabed by two meters and extended the shoreline by 200 meters.

According to PHIVOLCS, the team also observed a co-seismic coastal uplift in barangays in Glan, Sarangani, and in the southern portion of Glan and Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental. 

For example, corals previously submerged were found exposed on the surface, altering the shoreline as a direct result of the earthquake.

The Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) initially received reports on June 10 from Glan residents that the sea levels remained low and had not returned to their normal state since the quake.

“These exposed corals and seagrass beds had begun dying off alongside their resident organisms such as reef fishes, eels, clams, and shells,” DENR said in a statement.

It added that residents raised concern that the stench of decaying marine life could poison them.

The SBPS PAMO mobilized rangers to document other incidents of coastal uplift or habitat damage in Sarangani Bay.

Meanwhile, a composite team with the MGB XII and partner LGUs with the DENR XII will be created to conduct a scientific study of the Glan coastal uplift on Tuesday, June 16.

Residents are advised to report other incidents of coastal uplift through the SBPS-PAMO Hotline Nos.  0909-618-9917 (Smart) or 0995-305-0306 (Globe).

The June 8 earthquake, which struck at 7:37 a.m. with its epicenter 32 kilometers west of Maasim, Sarangani, generated tsunami waves of up to one meter along the coasts of Kiamba, Maasim, and Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat. 

PHIVOLCS said it was felt as far as Leyte and recorded a peak intensity of PEIS VII in General Santos City.

Sarangani and its neighboring provinces have a documented history of strong seismic activity, with at least seven significant earthquakes with magnitudes between 5.7 and 8.0 rocking the area between 1917 and 2023. 

The most recent earthquake before June 8 was a magnitude 6.8 quake on Nov. 17, 2023.

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Sarangani province records 20 deaths from quake; now under a state of calamity

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE PROVINCIAL government of Sarangani recorded 20 deaths as of June 11, after a Magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the province on June 8. 

On Wednesday, June 10, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Sarangani passed a resolution declaring the entire province under a state of calamity.

The SP members also passed a resolution authorizing Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao to accept donations intended for the relief, response, rehabilitation, and recovery assistance.

“The declaration of a state of calamity enables the Provincial Government to immediately access and utilize available disaster response and recovery funds, including the Quick Response Fund,” the provincial information office said in a statement.

The measures were adopted according to the recommendations of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and to urgently mobilize resources and assistance for affected communities.

As of June 11, the province reported 20 confirmed deaths according to the PDRRMC Consolidated Report posted on Facebook.

The 12 confirmed deaths were due to landslides in Landslides: three are from Tango; E. Alegado (2); Tapon (1); New Aklan (2); Pangyan (1); Kapatan (1); and Calpidong (2).

Meanwhile, the other eight are in Daan Suyan (1); Poblacion (1); Lun Padidu (1); Sapu Masla (2); and Tuyan (3) due to drowning; struck by rolling heavy boulders; covered by fallen debris; and landslide.

The province also reported 150 injured and 12 still missing.

Affected families climbed to 31,053, while 776 families are in the evacuation centers.

The earthquake left 7,892 wrecked homes (6,368 were partially damaged, and 1,524 were totally damaged).

Pacquiao announced on Thursday that the emergency protocols, safety sweeps, work adjustments, and face-to-face class suspensions established under Executive Order No. 33, series of 2026, are extended from June 11 to 17.

“This extension is in view of the provincial declaration of a state of calamity and the ongoing disaster response operations,” Pacquiao said, noting the provincial government continues to monitor the seismic situation in real-time.

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Red tagged

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas
  • OCBO issues severe warning on 7 buildings; yellow tags 22 others

THE OFFICE of the City Building Official (OCBO) has issued red tags or prohibited occupancy to seven buildings and yellow tags (restricted use) to 22 others, following the 7.8 magnitude quake on Monday, June 8.

The notices were released on Wednesday, June 10, after rapid visual inspections conducted with the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Davao City Chapter. 

The OCBO issued red tag notices as of June 9 to the Teleperformance Office and VXI Office\, both part of SM City Davao (whole level); Linmarr Towers (whole building); Bangkal Dormitory (whole premise); the right-side pathway of EastWest Bank at AC Premium where air condensers are installed; the building perimeter of Vivaldi Residences Davao due to possible falling debris; and Building B5 of Madayaw Residences under the National Housing Authority Region XI.

Red tag notices strictly prohibit entry and occupancy of the building, as structures have sustained severe damage and are considered dangerous for occupancy. 

Entry or use of the premises is prohibited until a comprehensive structural assessment is completed and all necessary repairs are cleared by the OCBO.

Meanwhile, the 22 other establishments received Yellow Tag notices as of June 9, indicating restricted use due to moderate structural or non-structural damage, which requires repairs before full occupancy.

Yellow tag notices indicate certain areas may remain accessible under controlled conditions, subject to approval of OCBO. 

Among those yellow-tagged are the hallways of Magallanes Residences in Barcelona and Valencia; fire exits 2 and 3 of Felcris Centrale due to a falling hazard; Verdon Parc Belvedere (whole building); all production floors of Alorica that were denied access during inspection; portions of NCCC Buhangin’s Davao Famous interior facade and Tap and Play area; and the rear wall of the SSS Medical Building.

Also yellow-tagged are portions of Abreeza Mall along H&M fronting Fully Booked; the left, right, and rear sides of Pinnacle Hotel and Suites; podium areas and front facade of Avida Towers due to possible falling debris; the Sta. Ana exit parking area and portions of The Peak at Gaisano Mall of Davao; BPI AC Premium (walls where falling debris occurred); the exterior rear side of The Paragon Davao; and the left wing pathway near the back side of Eastwest Bank at AC Premium.

Palmetto Place Buildings 2 and 3 (with signs of falling debris)\; the fire exit ramp and electrical building of United Davao Specialists Hospital and Medical Center; multiple buildings at Madayaw Residences NHA-XI (A4, B10, and A5); Coffee Bar at Gmall Toril, and areas of the third floor of Gaisano Grand Citygate with partially collapsed ceiling panels and its driveway facing Mandug Road were likewise yellow-tagged.

“All affected establishments are directed to strictly comply with the conditions and safety requirements set by the OCBO before allowing re-occupancy,” the agency said, noting the measures are intended to protect residents, tenants, and the general public.

Meanwhile, inspections of other establishments with reported visible cracks remain ongoing and are being jointly conducted by the OCBO and the PICE. 

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PRO XI to public: Stay guarded against aftershocks, structural faults in quake aftermath

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

LAW ENFORCEMENT authorities across the Davao Region are urging the public to eliminate complacency and remain strictly vigilant as a wave of aftershocks continues to threaten shaken communities following Monday’s massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) XI issued a safety advisory on Wednesday, warning citizens that the danger does not end when the initial shaking stops. 

Police officials emphasized that post-disaster evaluation at the household and community levels is critical to preventing secondary casualties.

“Pagkatapos ng lindol, huwag magkumpyansa — laging suriin ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa (After the earthquake, do not be complacent — always check everyone’s safety),” PRO XI stated in its regional dispatch.

The regional police command outlined crucial safety protocols that residents must immediately observe, particularly when traversing or inspecting properties:

  • Utility Inspections: Promptly check surroundings for hazardous gas leaks, ruptured lines, or exposed, damaged electrical cables that could trigger fires.
  • Structural Avoidance: Heavily steer clear of cracked walls, shattered glass, or visibly compromised commercial and residential buildings.
  • Continuous Readiness: Maintain an evacuation-ready mindset as secondary tectonic shifts and aftershocks can cause already-weakened structures to collapse.
  • Official Channels Only: Rely exclusively on verified updates and instructions broadcast by legitimate government disaster councils and authorities to prevent the spread of panic and misinformation.

PRO XI emphasized that public safety remains a collective effort, calling on Davaoeños to exhibit localized discipline while structural engineers and first responders finish mapping out high-risk zones.

“Ang kaligtasan ay responsibilidad nating lahat. Maging alerto, disiplinado, at laging handa (Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Be alert, disciplined, and always prepared),” the regional police command added.

Photo from PRO XI Facebook page

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10ID troops deploy to cut-off areas; 10ID chief orders Black Hawk evacuations in quake zones

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE MILITARY has deployed additional troops to isolated, hard-to-reach barangays in Davao Occidental as the 10th Infantry Division intensifies its humanitarian and disaster response footprint following the catastrophic magnitude 7.8 earthquake.

Major General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 10th ID, personally spearheaded a joint aerial Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis on Tuesday, June 9, flying over severely hit communities in Jose Abad Santos and Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental.

The high-level aerial assessment included top representatives from the Office of Civil Defense, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Davao Occidental Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to map out critical relief corridors.

Amid heavily disrupted road networks, the military mobilized air assets to save lives. A Philippine Air Force Black Hawk helicopter successfully executed an emergency air casualty evacuation for four rescued residents on the isolated Balut Island, flying them to mainland medical facilities for urgent treatment.

Major General Luzon emphasized that while Agila troopers are on the ground conducting search and rescue, damage assessment, and route clearing from General Santos City to Davao Occidental, the immediate focus is on breaking through geographic isolation.

“Our priority is the safety and well-being of communities affected by this earthquake,” Luzon said. Through close coordination with government agencies and local government units, we will continue to provide assistance, support ongoing response efforts, and help communities recover from their effects.”

 “We have deployed additional Agila Troopers to severely affected barangays in Davao Occidental, particularly in areas where roads remain impassable, to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most.”

The joint operations come as disaster agencies scramble to deliver aid past the damaged Mabila and Balangonan ports and landslide-choked roads that have cut off coastal towns from standard supply lines.

The 10th ID command assured the public that ground and air assets will remain fully embedded with local government units until search, rescue, and initial recovery phases are complete.

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No casualties reported as DCPO deploys full force after strong quake 

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) immediately activated its full emergency response protocols on Monday morning, June 8, after a powerful Magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Maasim, Sarangani, sending strong tremors across Davao Region and triggering scattered power outages.

As of 9 a.m., the official DCPO situation report confirmed zero deaths, injuries, or missing persons in Davao City.

City police director Col Peter B. Madria mobilized all units and tactical personnel to coordinate with the safety and security cluster for immediate rescue, relief, and structural integrity assessments.

Earlier monitoring just before the earthquake struck indicated that 409 PNP personnel had already blanketed the public and some private schools for the opening of classes. 

Following the tremors, 61 schools remained closed as authorities shifted focus to safety evaluations.

Traffic conditions across major city arteries choked into moderate to heavy congestion, while rolling power interruptions knocked out grids in Barangays Malabog, Ecoland, Tugbok, Mandug, and Eden.

Madria urged Davaoeños to remain calm as structural assessments continue. “The safety and security of the public remain the utmost priority of the DCPO,” Madria emphasized, calling on citizens to cooperate with emergency responders as the city moves toward rapid recovery.

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