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Mindanao earthquake

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

by Nova Mae Francas June 15, 2026

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.

June 15, 2026 0 comments

News

Army on ‘heightened readiness’ as JTF Agila continues to serve Mindanao quake zone

by Rhoda Grace Saron June 12, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE MILITARY has placed its tri-service forces on heightened readiness across Southern Mindanao as Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila scrambles to deliver aid, airlift supplies to isolated villages, and conduct critical search and rescue operations following a destructive earthquake in the region.

As of Friday, the Army, Air Force, and Navy components of JTF Agila have sustained continuous humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations to stabilize heavily hit communities in Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, and General Santos City.

Search and rescue in GenSan

On Thursday, June 11, specialized Army search, rescue, and retrieval teams braved hazardous conditions at the severely damaged CEPAVI Warehouse in Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City.

Concurrently, military personnel deployed water assets to provide free potable water to hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently taking shelter at a crowded evacuation site in Barangay Bawing.

Isolated villages air-dropped aid

The logistical challenge peaked in the island and mountainous terrains of Davao Occidental, where some areas are cut off. JTF Agila units partnered with local government units (LGUs) to facilitate emergency airlifts.

Military aircraft dropped essential relief supplies to completely isolated communities and executed critical medical evacuations for severely injured residents from the remote Sarangani Municipality.

Further boosting the regional response, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental deployed a massive logistical convoy consisting of food packs, potable water, fuel, and medical supplies to augment JTF Agila’s forward operating sites.

‘Fully committed’

Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of JTF Agila, emphasized that the military will not pull back until the communities are stabilized.

“Our personnel will continue working alongside partner agencies and local government units to ensure that help reaches those who need it most,” Maj. Gen. Luzon said in a statement. “We remain ready and dependable in responding to disasters and assisting our communities during this challenging time.”

With aftershocks still threatening the region, JTF Agila’s leadership confirmed that all search, rescue, and relief assets remain on high alert as recovery operations transition into the weekend.

June 12, 2026 0 comments

Community

Globe activates free satellite-to-mobile connectivity for its 700,000 Mindanao subscribers affected by earthquake

by Contributor June 12, 2026

written by Contributor

Globe has activated its free satellite-to-mobile connectivity service in parts of Mindanao affected by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake, providing emergency communication support to more than 700,000 Globe and TM subscribers in areas where terrestrial networks may have been disrupted.

Globe said the service, deployed in partnership with Starlink, is its first use of satellite-to-mobile technology for disaster response in the Philippines. The initiative covers affected areas in Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat, allowing subscribers to access essential communication services while recovery and relief operations are underway.

Under the program, Globe Prepaid and TM subscribers in covered areas will receive 1GB of mobile data and 50 SMS valid until June 17. Meanwhile, Globe Postpaid and Platinum subscribers will be provided 2GB of data and unlimited SMS valid until August 10.

The satellite-to-mobile service is available in Sarangani, as well as several municipalities and cities in South Cotabato, including Banga, Koronadal City, Lake Sebu, Norala, Polomolok, Santo Niño, Surallah, T’Boli, Tampakan, Tantangan, and Tupi.

It also covers multiple localities in Sultan Kudarat, including Bagumbayan, Tacurong City, Columbio, Esperanza, Isulan, Kalamansig, Lambayong, Lebak, Lutayan, Palimbang, President Quirino, and Sen. Ninoy Aquino.

Globe said the service allows compatible mobile devices with active Globe SIMs and at least 4G LTE to connect directly to low-earth orbit satellites through the “G Starlink” network, enabling users to send messages and access light data services even when conventional network infrastructure is unavailable.

The company advised subscribers to use the service in open areas with a clear view of the sky, noting that signal quality may be affected by terrain, dense vegetation, tall structures, or adverse weather conditions.

Some devices, according to Globe, connect via data roaming. Turning this on allows access to Globe Starlink without additional roaming fees when used within the Philippines.

The service currently supports compatible Android and Harmony devices, while support for iOS devices has yet to be introduced.

Globe said the satellite-based connectivity solution serves as a critical communication backup during disasters, power outages, and other emergencies, helping affected residents stay in touch with family members, access important information, and coordinate relief efforts.

The deployment forms part of Globe’s disaster resilience initiatives aimed at maintaining communication services in vulnerable and hard-hit communities during emergencies.

June 12, 2026 0 comments

News

M7.8 Sarangani earthquake: 4 dead, 49 LGUs suspend work and classes in Davao Region after red alert

by Rhoda Grace Saron June 9, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

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.

June 9, 2026 0 comments

News

Structurally safe

by Rhoda Grace Saron June 9, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

No closure for Bucana Bridge after M7.8 quake – DPWH chief

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon assured the public on Tuesday morning, June 9, that the Bucana Bridge in Davao City remains safe and open to motorists following the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday.

During an inspection, Dizon clarified that engineers and contractors found only minor, non-structural damage to the bridge’s expansion joints and railings, which will be repaired within three to five days.

“Minor damage on Bucana Bridge—our engineers and the contractor assure us. It’s very minor, so we can still pass through the bridge. So, it’s very safe. They’ve checked the bottom. There’s just a little problem with the expansion joint, but it will be finished within three to five days,” Dizon told reporters.

“There are only non-structural cements that have given way a little bit but are being repaired. But the main structure that makes up the bridge is intact; there are no cracks,” he added.

Inspection of DPWH-XI and contractors

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon personally visited this morning, June 9, 2026, to check the general condition of the bridge after the strong earthquake.

Joining Dizon were DPWH-XI officials, including spokesperson Dean Ortiz, representatives from the China-Aid Localized Project for the Davao River Bridge, and technical experts of the China Road and Bridge Corporation.

The secretary reviewed the ongoing assessment and structural repair works in the area to ensure the complete safety of motorists who pass through that crucial route.

On Monday, authorities opened the Bucana Bridge for light vehicles starting at 1 pm, while the trucks and other heavy vehicles are being diverted to alternative routes while waiting for the final clearing from the engineers.

June 9, 2026 0 comments

Community

PLDT and Smart teams mobilize to restore connectivity following Mindanao earthquake

by Contributor June 9, 2026

written by Contributor

PLDT and Smart have immediately mobilized field and operations teams to assess network facilities and restore connectivity services in areas affected by the recent earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao.

Among the hardest-hit areas are General Santos City and several municipalities in South Cotabato. Initial assessments indicate that the majority of PLDT and Smart network facilities remain stable and operational. Service interruptions have primarily been linked to commercial power outages affecting certain sites.

To support emergency response efforts and ensure continuous communications, PLDT will deploy Starlink satellite broadband services to critical locations and areas identified by local government units as requiring backup connectivity.

“Safety remains our foremost priority as our teams conduct assessments and restoration activities on the ground. At the same time, we recognize the vital role connectivity plays during emergencies and are working tirelessly to keep communities connected,” PLDT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer Menardo “Butch” G. Jimenez, Jr.

PLDT and Smart continue to coordinate closely with local authorities and disaster response agencies as recovery efforts progress.

June 9, 2026 0 comments