President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to immediately deploy emergency response measures after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani Province, triggering tsunami warnings across several coastal communities in Mindanao.
In an official statement, President Marcos confirmed that the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) are tightly monitoring the situation and managing relief operations.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has been tasked with preparing relief goods and ensuring evacuation centers are fully prepared to house displaced residents.
Concurrently, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is on standby to assess infrastructure damage and clear vital roadways for emergency access.
To guarantee public safety, the President announced the indefinite suspension of classes at all levels across the affected areas in Mindanao.
“The safety of our children comes first.”
Marcos strongly urged coastal residents under tsunami threats to prioritize their safety and follow evacuation protocols immediately.
“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 President assured citizens that the national government is working in lockstep with local government units and regional offices to manage the crisis.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake struck at 7:37 a.m. with an epicenter located 32 kilometers west of Maasim, Sarangani, at a depth of 33 kilometers.
The tremor caused severe ground shaking, reaching an Intensity VII in General Santos City. Intensity VI was felt in parts of Sultan Kudarat, while Intensity V shook Davao City, Kidapawan City, and portions of Zamboanga del Norte. Instrumental intensities peaked at Intensity VIII in Malapatan, Sarangani.
Disaster response teams remain on high alert as authorities continue to monitor aftershocks and potential tsunami waves.