MALAYBALAY CITY — President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. ordered an immediate government response after a magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani on June 8, prompting disaster and relief operations across Mindanao

“A strong earthquake has struck off the coast of Sarangani this morning, and a tsunami warning is now in effect across several coastal provinces in Mindanao. I have directed concerned government agencies to act immediately,” he said.

According to the President, the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council were coordinating response operations with local government units, regional disaster councils, and emergency teams.

He also instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to preposition relief goods and prepare evacuation centers for affected families.

Marcos placed the Department of Public Works and Highways on standby to inspect roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure and clear routes for rescue and relief operations.

He also ordered the suspension of classes in affected areas and directed the Department of Education to coordinate with local government units.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded the tectonic earthquake at 7:37 a.m. on June 8.

PHIVOLCS reported Intensity III shaking in Kalilangan and Intensity II in Malaybalay City and Libona.

Marcos urged residents in coastal areas under tsunami advisories to move to higher ground immediately.

“Please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind,” he said.

PHIVOLCS issued a tsunami warning for Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato. The agency warned that tsunami waves could exceed one meter above normal tide levels.

In Bukidnon, local governments suspended classes and government work while authorities conducted inspections and assessed possible damage following the earthquake.

In Valencia City, authorities activated the Incident Management Team and placed the Emergency Operations Center under Red Alert Status to coordinate response operations and monitor developments.

Mayor Amie G. Galario oversaw the prepositioning of response teams at Plaza Rizal while the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office conducted rapid assessments in barangays.

Initial assessments showed no major damage or casualties in the province.

Following inspections, the City Engineer’s Office and the Valencia City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office recommended the resumption of classes in public and private schools on June 9 after finding no major structural damage to school facilities.

City officials said school buildings remain safe for occupancy and the conduct of regular classes. Authorities also advised schools to conduct earthquake orientations and evacuation drills for students, teachers, and school personnel. (FPRA/PIA-10/Bukidnon)