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sarangani quake

JTF Agila chief inspects earthquake frontlines; troops log 11 days of continuous disaster response

by Rhoda Grace Saron June 21, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

JOINT Task Force (JTF) Agila commander Major General Alvin Luzon inspected frontline troops over the weekend to assess the health and operational readiness of soldiers entering their second week of continuous earthquake response operations.

The command visit on Friday, June 19, targeted military personnel executing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) missions in areas heavily impacted by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake.

Luzon made stops in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; Glan, Sarangani Province; General Santos City; and the headquarters of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade. During his frontline inspections, the commander distributed medical supplies, essential vitamins, and hot meals to the deployed responders.

“The purpose of this visit is to personally check on our troops and ensure they remain healthy, motivated, and fully supported as they continue helping our fellow Filipinos recover from this disaster,” Luzon said. “Even after 11 days of continuous operations, we must maintain the same commitment, energy, and sense of purpose that we had on the first day of our response.”

He relayed that the Eastern Mindanao Command, under Lieutenant General Adonis Ariel Orio, remains focused on synchronizing air, naval, and joint strategic capabilities to back the ground responders.

Furthermore, Luzon carried a message of commendation from Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete, who guaranteed a continuous pipeline of personnel, heavy equipment, and resources for the affected areas.

Military officials reiterated that JTF Agila forces will remain embedded in the hard-hit areas, sustaining humanitarian assistance and recovery operations alongside local government units until the affected municipalities have fully stabilized.

June 21, 2026 0 comments

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Army mobile kitchens, purifiers deployed to quake-hit villages

by Rhoda Grace Saron June 14, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

MILITARY forces have shifted from combat to critical lifesaving operations in Southern Mindanao, deploying specialized asset convoys, mobile kitchens, and water purification units to communities reeling from a recent destructive earthquake.

Under the banner of Joint Task Force (JTF) Agila, troops have intensified humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations across the hardest-hit zones in Sarangani Province and Davao Occidental.

Working in lockstep with local government units and state welfare agencies, the military is racing against time to stabilize vulnerable areas and secure supply lines.

Heavy assets deployed to ground zero

In Glan, Sarangani—one of the municipalities bearing the brunt of the seismic wallop—the Philippine Army has established a tactical relief hub.

The military has deployed its specialized mobile kitchen and water purification system, a critical logistical asset capable of mass-producing hot meals and turning raw water into safe, potable drinking water for thousands of displaced residents.

Officials on the ground described the deployment as a “critical lifeline” because local infrastructure damage has left several communities without reliable access to clean water or electricity.

Fortifying the food supply chain

Further east in Malita, Davao Occidental, JTF Agila fortified government stockpiles on Saturday, June 13.

Soldiers offloaded a massive cache of emergency provisions at the Department of Social Welfare and Development warehouse, including:

1,000 family food packs
1,584 ready-to-eat food boxes

Meanwhile, in Sarangani Province, infantrymen have been repurposed into logistical manpower—manning repacking stations, securing transport convoys, and executing orderly distributions to prevent chaos in high-stress disaster zones.

‘Ready to protect, ready to rebuild’

The mobilization has united the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the DSWD, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and waves of civilian volunteers.

Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of both the 10th Infantry Division and JTF Agila, praised the rapid pivot of his troops from frontline security to disaster relief.

“In times of adversity, our soldiers stand ready not only to protect our communities but also to help them recover,” Luzon said. “Together with our partners, JTF Agila remains committed to bringing timely assistance, hope, and reassurance to every affected family.”

As aftershocks continue to threaten the region, JTF Agila officials stated that military personnel and assets will remain embedded in the affected provinces indefinitely to spearhead the transition from emergency relief to long-term rebuilding efforts.

June 14, 2026 0 comments

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Red tagged

by Nova Mae Francas June 10, 2026

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.

June 10, 2026 0 comments

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

by Rhoda Grace Saron June 10, 2026

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.

June 10, 2026 0 comments

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DepEd XI inspects schools after M7.8 quake; clarifies viral Matanao NHS building long condemned

by Rhoda Grace Saron June 9, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) XI is prioritizing structural safety over a hasty return to classrooms, declaring that it “will not gamble the lives” of the region’s estimated 1.5 million learners following the massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake that shook Mindanao.

In an exclusive interview with TIMES, DepEd XI spokesperson Jenielito Atillo revealed that while there are currently no verified reports of active school buildings being destroyed, government engineers are carrying out rapid structural assessments.

Atillo told the TIMES on Tuesday, June 9, that classes remain suspended across the region while inspections are underway.

The Matanao NHS viral video

Addressing a viral social media video showing a building collapse at Matanao National High School in Davao del Sur, Atillo clarified that the structure was not an active facility.

“I want to clarify that the part of the building that collapsed is not part of an active facility,” Atillo stated. “It is a very old building that was already condemned because it was heavily dilapidated and had been compromised by earthquakes in previous years.”

He added that the structure had been strictly cordoned off long before it finally gave way during Monday’s intense shaking.

Student safety and localized suspensions

Regarding casualties within school grounds during the initial tremor, Atillo confirmed that no major injuries were reported.

“There are no injuries recorded among students. While we recorded some who lost consciousness, they were managed well because every school has Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) personnel headed by teachers and students. We also saw an immediate response from barangay officials who quickly deployed their rescue teams,” Atillo said.

“We do not consider it a major crisis because the response for our children was immediate and swift,” he added.

DepEd XI comprises 11 schools division offices spanning from Davao Occidental to Davao Oriental.

Atillo emphasized that localized divisions and LGUs are in the best position to assess immediate ground effects and declare class suspensions under existing policies like Executive Order No. 66.

“The LGUs have the immediate and swift capability to determine the current situation in their areas because they have the human resources on the ground,” Atillo explained. “We work under that arrangement because if the declaration comes solely from the regional office, it might not be timely. It is more appropriate to get data from the ground first.”

New school calendar unaffected

The tremor struck on the opening day of School Year 2026–2027, which marks the implementation of the country’s new three-term school calendar. However, Atillo assured the public that the core learning timeline has not been severely set back.

“This week is an orientation week—a time to organize classes and determine who will be included in the school feeding program. Formal lecture classes are scheduled to begin next week,” Atillo explained.

Despite the temporary suspension of physical lectures, Atillo reminded parents and teachers that student attendance tracking officially commenced on Monday.

DepEd XI advises all school communities to stay tuned to their respective LGUs for official announcements regarding when it is safe to resume on-campus activities.

June 9, 2026 0 comments

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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