The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has issued a concerning warning that approximately 38 percent of barangays in General Santos City are at risk of ground instability following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the SOCCSKSARGEN region on June 8, 2026.
The warning comes as Phivolcs continues to monitor ground deformation observed in parts of Sarangani and General Santos City in the weeks since the powerful quake. The agency has identified areas where the ground has shifted, cracked, or become structurally compromised, posing potential risks to buildings, infrastructure, and residents.
General Santos City, home to over 600,000 residents, is one of the most urbanized cities in Mindanao and serves as the regional center of SOCCSKSARGEN. The scale of the warning underscores the significant impact the earthquake had on the citys geological stability.
Phivolcs has been conducting detailed assessments across the city, mapping areas that show signs of liquefaction, landslides, and subsidence. The agency is working closely with local government units to identify the most affected barangays and to issue appropriate advisories to residents.
Residents in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and report any new cracks in the ground, unusual tilting of structures, or changes in water flow patterns. The agency also recommends that buildings in identified risk zones undergo structural assessments before being reoccupied.
The earthquake, one of the strongest to hit southern Philippines in recent years, also caused widespread structural damage across General Santos City. Major commercial establishments along Pendatun Avenue and other key thoroughfares sustained significant damage, with some buildings rendered unusable weeks after the initial tremor.
General Santos City officials, alongside national agencies, continue to coordinate relief and recovery efforts. The unstable ground warning adds another layer of complexity to the citys recovery, as rebuilding efforts must now account for long-term geological risks in affected areas.
Phivolcs assured the public that monitoring equipment has been deployed across the city and that updates will be provided as new data becomes available. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to heed all safety advisories issued by local authorities.