Early Monday morning, a powerful earthquake shook General Santos City and large parts of Mindanao, sending residents scrambling out of buildings and triggering tsunami warnings across the region. The tremor struck at 7:37 AM on June 8, 2026, catching many by surprise as it was the first day of classes in several areas.
How Strong Was the Quake
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) initially recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.0, but later upgraded it to magnitude 7.8 just after 8:41 AM. The epicenter was located about 13 kilometers south-southwest of General Santos City, off the coast of Sarangani, at a depth of 10 kilometers. According to PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol, the quake was tectonic in origin, meaning it was caused by movement along a fault line rather than volcanic activity.
Areas That Felt the Tremor
The shaking was felt across a wide swath of Mindanao and even reached parts of the Visayas. Here is how the intensities broke down across affected areas:
- Intensity VII (Destructive) — General Santos City; Koronadal City, Sarangani; Santa Maria, Davao Occidental. This level of shaking causes significant structural damage.
- Intensity VI (Very Strong) — Palimbang and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat; T’boli, South Cotabato.
- Intensity V (Strong) — Davao City; Kidapawan City and Carmen in Cotabato; multiple towns in Sultan Kudarat and Zamboanga del Norte.
- Intensity IV (Moderately Strong) — Mati City in Davao Oriental; Buug in Zamboanga Sibugay; Caraga, Manay, and Tarragona in Davao Oriental.
- Intensity III to II — Weaker shaking reported in Surigao del Norte, parts of Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Abuyog.
Structural Damage and Disruptions
Video footage circulating on social media showed a three-storey building housing a Jollibee restaurant collapsing in a cloud of dust in General Santos City. A building at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University also collapsed, though no casualties have been confirmed so far. SM Mall GenSan sustained minor damage, while Koronadal City experienced disruptions to internet, electricity, and water services. In Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, a total blackout was reported along with multiple aftershocks. Residents there felt at least three to four additional tremors within the first hour after the main shock.
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Tsunami Warning Issued
PHIVOLCS issued immediate tsunami warnings for coastal areas in at least nine provinces: Sarangani, Sulu, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Davao Occidental, Basilan, Sultan Kudarat, Tawi-Tawi, and South Cotabato. The first waves were expected between 7:37 AM and 9:37 AM, with wave heights possibly exceeding one meter above normal tide levels. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center estimated waves of one to three meters for parts of the Philippines. Residents in low-lying coastal areas were urged to move to higher ground or farther inland immediately. Boats already at sea were advised to stay offshore in deep waters until further notice.
Authorities also raised tsunami alerts for parts of Indonesia and Japan. The situation is being monitored closely by the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Meanwhile, the Pasig River cleanup boost from Ocean Cleanup shows how disaster preparedness and environmental resilience go hand in hand.
Government Response
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. activated emergency agencies immediately after the quake, including the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. He urged residents in affected areas to follow tsunami warnings without delay, stressing that life is more important than property left behind. The Department of Social Welfare and Development was directed to pre-position relief goods and ensure evacuation centers are operational. Classes across several Mindanao provinces were suspended for the day. Local government units in Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat activated their emergency operations centers and began forced evacuations in coastal and landslide-prone areas.
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Aftershocks Expected
PHIVOLCS Director Bacolcol confirmed that aftershocks were already being recorded shortly after the main event, including a magnitude 3.7 tremor and an intensity IV aftershock in General Santos City. A magnitude 6.1 aftershock struck near Sarangani Island, followed by a magnitude 6.0 quake near Pangyan. More aftershocks are expected in the coming days, and residents are advised to remain vigilant. The public was reminded to follow the duck, cover, and hold safety procedure whenever shaking occurs.
As of the latest reports, no major casualties have been confirmed, but damage assessments are ongoing across all affected areas. Officials continue to monitor coastal conditions and aftershock activity closely.
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