Manila, June 8, 2026: A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines on Monday morning, killing at least 15 people, injuring more than 100 others, damaging critical infrastructure, and triggering tsunami warnings across parts of Southeast Asia.
The earthquake struck at approximately 7:37 a.m. local time and was centered about 13 kilometers southwest of General Santos City, a major commercial hub on Mindanao Island with a population of more than 700,000. The quake was followed by numerous aftershocks and generated tsunami waves that reached nearby coastlines.
Authorities confirmed that 12 people were killed in the Soccsksargen region of Mindanao, while three additional deaths were reported in Davao Occidental province. Disaster management officials said at least 129 people were injured, many of them suffering from panic-related injuries during evacuations.
The earthquake caused widespread damage across affected areas. Buildings were damaged, debris fell onto streets, and a key access bridge in General Santos City sustained structural impacts. A Jollibee fast-food restaurant reportedly collapsed during the tremor, prompting emergency rescue operations.
The international airport in General Santos temporarily suspended operations following the quake, resulting in the cancellation of 17 domestic flights. Authorities conducted safety inspections before considering the resumption of services.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged residents in vulnerable coastal areas to evacuate immediately and move to higher ground. “Please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind,” the President said.
Government disaster-response agencies were placed on high alert as emergency teams were deployed to affected communities. “The national government is moving, and we will not leave Mindanao behind,” Marcos assured residents.
Officials from the Office of Civil Defence reported that more than 100 students attending morning flag ceremonies at schools across the region suffered minor injuries, bruises, or fainting episodes amid the panic caused by the powerful shaking.
“I myself could hardly stand and keep my balance when the ground shook,” said Ednar Dayanghirang, a regional civil defence official, describing the intensity of the tremor.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake was caused by movement along the Cotabato Trench. The agency initially estimated the quake's depth at 10 kilometers, while the U.S. Geological Survey later reported a depth of 55 kilometers. Such differences in early measurements are common following major seismic events.
Tsunami monitoring stations recorded waves measuring approximately one metre (three feet) in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that waves of up to three metres could impact some Philippine coastlines.
Neighboring countries also responded swiftly. Malaysia issued tsunami warnings for Sabah State on Borneo Island, while Indonesia recorded tsunami waves of about 83 centimeters near Sulawesi. Smaller sea-level fluctuations were reported across parts of the western Pacific region.
The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country regularly experiences natural disasters, including typhoons, volcanic activity, and powerful earthquakes.
Rescue and assessment operations remain underway as authorities continue to monitor aftershocks and evaluate the full extent of the damage. Officials warned that the casualty count could rise as emergency crews reach affected areas and inspect damaged structures.
The earthquake is the strongest to strike the Philippines so far in 2026, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of the archipelago to major seismic events and the importance of disaster preparedness across the region.