THE human toll from the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sarangani continues to mount, with Philippine authorities reporting 37 fatalities as emergency teams race to assist affected communities across southern Mindanao.
The latest figures released by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) indicate that 33 deaths were recorded in Region 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) and four in Region 11 (Davao Region), although officials stressed that the numbers remain subject to verification.
"These are still for validation," Bernama-PNA cited OCD deputy spokesperson Diego Agustin Mariano telling reporters.
Authorities are separately verifying 18 deaths in Sarangani province and General Santos City, along with three fatalities in South Cotabato, as rescue and recovery operations continue.
While a comprehensive assessment of the destruction has yet to be completed, officials have confirmed that General Santos City suffered some of the most severe damage when the earthquake struck at 7.37am on Monday beneath the Celebes Sea.
The disaster has left hundreds of families affected, with earlier reports indicating that 144 people were injured and four others remain missing.
Compounding challenges for emergency responders, the earthquake has triggered an intense sequence of aftershocks. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that 1,055 aftershocks had been recorded by 7am on Tuesday, ranging in magnitude from 1.3 to 6.7.
The continuing seismic activity has heightened concerns over structural safety and hampered relief operations in several affected areas.
As local authorities work to determine the full extent of the damage, the national government has mobilised support for disaster-hit communities, particularly in Sarangani and neighbouring provinces.
The Office of Civil Defense said it is coordinating closely with local governments to provide emergency relief and humanitarian assistance. Among the immediate measures being implemented is the deployment of generators and fuel supplies to hospitals to ensure uninterrupted medical services for the injured and displaced.
Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant as aftershocks continue and emergency assessments progress across the affected regions. - June 9, 2026
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