AT LEAST four people have been confirmed dead, and 23 others injured in the Davao Region following the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck offshore of Maasim, Sarangani, local disaster officials reported Tuesday morning.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) XI placed its Emergency Operations Center on “Red Alert” as of 9 a.m. on June 9, 2026, mobilizing rapid emergency responses, deployment of air assets for damage assessment, and immediate relief distribution.
Over 18,000 individuals displaced
According to the latest situation report from RDRRMC XI, the powerful tectonic tremor has directly affected 42 barangays, impacting 8,322 families or a total of 18,384 individuals across the region.
Disaster agencies have activated 14 evacuation centers, which are currently sheltering 1,544 families (5,447 individuals).
An additional 35 displaced individuals are reportedly staying outside official evacuation centers with relatives or in open spaces.
Government validation alongside local social welfare offices remains ongoing.
Infrastructure crumples; ports sustained damage
While the overall assessment notes that vital lifelines remain functionally operational, local infrastructure took a visible hit.
A total of 98 houses were reported damaged—12 of which were destroyed, while 86 sustained partial damage.
Initial infrastructure damage is valued at ₱500,000, spanning six locations in Davao City, two in Davao del Sur, and four in Davao Occidental.
Commercial and residential buildings across Davao City and Davao Occidental have also shown varied structural cracks.
In terms of logistical networks, officials recorded disruptions across 10 road sections and two bridges. While airports continue normal operations, sea travel faces localized hiccups as Mabila and Balangonan ports sustained verified structural damage.
Power interruptions were also flagged across six affected areas.
Widespread class suspensions and government response
To prioritize public safety and clear the way for structural integrity inspections, localized work and classes across all levels have been suspended in 49 Local Government Units (LGUs) across the region.
A total of ₱2,041,774.57 in humanitarian aid has already been disbursed to families.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XI spearheads the relief push with ₱1.47 million worth of food and non-food items, complemented by ₱565,256.57 from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XI.
To counter potential communication blackouts in severely hit areas, response clusters have successfully deployed two Starlink satellite internet units to the Provincial DRRMC Emergency Operations Center, keeping critical field command lines open.
Local disaster offices continue to monitor coastal and high-risk zones for aftershocks, urging the public to remain vigilant and rely solely on official government channels for safety advisories.
