A building collapsed after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in General Santos City on June 8, 2026. PHOTO FROM DSWD FIELD OFFICE 12
GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani in southern Mindanao, Philippines at 7:37 in the morning of June 8, 2026, killing at least 35 people, injuring more than 200 others, and triggering tsunami waves along nearby coastlines — all on what was supposed to be a day of new beginnings: the opening day of classes.
The tectonic quake, recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) at a depth of 33 kilometers, struck approximately 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, Sarangani. Its force was felt across a vast swath of Mindanao, from Davao City in the east to Zamboanga in the west, registering Intensity VII — the level at which buildings suffer significant structural damage — in General Santos City.
A City Shaken, a University Tested
Among the most striking images to emerge from the disaster was the partial collapse of a building at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU) in General Santos City. Founded by the Marist Brothers in 1953, NDDU has long been a cornerstone of Catholic education in Mindanao, embodying the Marist charism of providing quality education rooted in faith and service to the poor.
“Lord, it has really collapsed! … The building has really collapsed!” a witness was heard crying out as the structure gave way. The university’s president, Brother Manuel de Leon, shared images of the damage, bearing witness to the shock and grief of a community that had gathered that morning in hope and anticipation.
A three-story commercial building housing a Jollibee restaurant and a Love Radio station also collapsed in General Santos City, while parts of SM City General Santos sustained major damage. The airport was closed until further notice, and internet, electricity, and water services were disrupted across wide areas.
| Earthquake at a Glance | Key Facts |
| Magnitude | 7.8 (initially recorded as 7.0) |
| Epicentre | ~32 km SW of Maasim, Sarangani |
| Time | 7:37 a.m., June 8, 2026 |
| Depth | 33 kilometers |
| Deaths | At least 35 (16 in Soccsksargen, 3 in Davao Region) |
| Injured | More than 200 |
| Highest Tsunami Wave | 1.4 metres above normal tide levels |
| Students Affected | 3,239,964 across 6,224 public schools |
Tsunami Warnings and a Nation’s Response
Tsunami warnings were issued across the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan, and Papua New Guinea, urging coastal residents to evacuate immediately. Waves were recorded at six coastal areas, with the first arriving in Maasim just five minutes after the quake struck. Japan issued a tsunami advisory for swathes of its Pacific coast, with minor waves observed on the island of Okinawa.
President Ferdinand Marcos suspended classes in all affected areas and issued a direct and urgent appeal to coastal communities: “Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind.” The Department of Education reported that the quake disrupted the schooling of nearly 3.24 million students and more than 128,000 teaching and non-teaching personnel across five regions.
The Church’s Enduring Presence in the Midst of Disaster
The Philippines sits squarely on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a belt of intense seismic activity that makes earthquakes a near-daily reality for its people. The Church in the Philippines has long understood its role in this context not merely as a spiritual guide but as a first responder — a “field hospital” that moves swiftly to bind the wounds of the suffering. In the aftermath of previous major earthquakes, Catholic bishops, Caritas Philippines, and local dioceses have consistently spearheaded relief and rehabilitation efforts, coordinating with government agencies and international aid organizations.
The Diocese of Marbel, which covers the Sarangani region, and the Diocese of General Santos are expected to mobilize their networks of parishes, schools, and religious communities in the days ahead. The Marist Brothers, whose educational mission at NDDU has shaped generations of young Mindanaoans, will no doubt be at the forefront of the community’s recovery, rebuilding not only walls and classrooms but the spirit of a people who have learned, through centuries of faith, to find God even in the rubble.
This earthquake, striking on the very first day of school, carries a profound symbolic weight. It is a reminder that the “civilization of love” must be built not only in times of peace but in the crucible of suffering, that the Church’s mission of education and service is most urgently needed precisely when the ground beneath our feet gives way.
As we pray for the victims of the Mindanao earthquake and for all those who grieve and rebuild, let us resolve to stand with them in faith and solidarity.
- The Sacrament of Confession: To seek the grace of a renewed heart, turning away from complacency and toward a deeper commitment to serve the poor and the vulnerable in our midst.
- Eucharistic Adoration: To pray for the repose of the souls of those who perished, for the healing of the injured, and for the strength of rescue workers and relief volunteers.
- The Holy Rosary: To entrust the people of Mindanao to the maternal care of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, asking her to calm the fears of those who have lost their homes and loved ones.
- The Holy Mass: To offer our participation for the swift recovery of the affected communities and for the wisdom of those in authority to respond with justice and compassion.
- Sacred Scripture: To draw strength from the words of the Psalmist: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:1–2).
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