Butuan City moved quickly to prioritize safety after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off Sarangani province in Southern Mindanao on Monday, June 8, 2026. Mayor Lawrence Fortun ordered the immediate suspension of classes at all levels across the city, giving way to rapid damage assessments of buildings, roads, and other critical infrastructure.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded Intensity III in Butuan City. While not the strongest intensity felt across Mindanao, the tremor was enough to prompt the city government to activate its disaster risk reduction teams without delay. Here’s a rundown of what happened and how local authorities responded:
- Class suspension across all levels — Butuan City Mayor Lawrence Fortun announced the suspension effective immediately to ensure the safety of students while engineers and disaster teams conduct structural inspections of school buildings and other facilities.
- City disaster teams mobilized — The city government deployed audit and disaster risk reduction and management personnel to check the integrity of all infrastructure throughout Butuan City.
- DPWH-Caraga activated its teams — Officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Caraga region mobilized engineers in every province and city, including a close inspection of the 70-year-old Magsaysay Bridge in Butuan City.
- Police assistance deployment — Police Regional Office-13 deployed teams to assist local government units and their Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils in monitoring the situation.
- Government and private work discretion — Some government offices and private establishments were given the discretion to suspend work or implement work-from-home arrangements, particularly for those in the medical profession.
- Regional monitoring continues — The Southern Mindanao and Northeastern Mindanao Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils continue to track the aftermath of the earthquake, with aftershocks expected in the coming days.
The earthquake, which struck at around 7:37 AM, initially triggered a tsunami warning from PHIVOLCS that was later lifted. Intensity VII was felt in General Santos City, with lower intensities recorded across the Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and the Zamboanga Peninsula. For Butuan City, the priority remains getting accurate assessments of any damage before clearing buildings for normal use.
For anyone in Butuan City who needs assistance or wants to report infrastructure concerns, authorities encourage reaching out to the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. If you’re looking for community updates, you can visit the Brigada Eskwela 2026 school supply drive in Angeles City or check out the Bisig-Kleta and Fun Run 2026 in Agoo, La Union happening this June 13 for an uplifting community activity.
Stay safe and follow updates from your local disaster risk reduction office. For inquiries or assistance, you can reach us at +63 946 048 0491 or send an email to gracezelguerra22@gmail.com.