GENERAL SANTOS City — Three people were killed and four others injured after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani province on Monday morning, June 8, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
PNP Public Information Office acting director Col. Allan Rae Co, citing reports from the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), said all of the fatalities and injured were civilians.
Authorities are continuing damage assessment operations in affected areas as rescue and response teams remain on alert for possible aftershocks and additional incidents.
Initial reports showed that at least 20 structures sustained damage from the strong tremor. These include two school buildings, two hospitals, 14 commercial establishments, and two residential houses.
The earthquake caused panic among residents and disrupted normal activities in several communities as people rushed to safer areas during the shaking.
Local government units, disaster response teams, and law enforcement agencies are coordinating relief and assessment efforts to determine the full extent of the damage and provide assistance to affected families.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories as aftershocks may continue in the coming days.|
