ALABEL, Sarangani Province — The death toll from the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Southern Mindanao on June 8 has climbed to 20, while at least 150 people have been injured and 12 others remain missing, according to the latest disaster monitoring report released by the Provincial Government of Sarangani as of 9:00 a.m. on June 11.
Authorities said the full extent of the disaster continues to emerge as rescue teams, local governments, and disaster response agencies conduct damage assessments and search operations across the province.
The earthquake has affected an estimated 31,053 families, with 776 families currently staying in evacuation centers. Thousands of homes have also been damaged, including 6,368 houses that sustained partial damage and 1,524 homes that were completely destroyed.
Landslides Account for Majority of Fatalities
Validated reports confirmed that 12 of the 20 fatalities were recorded in the municipality of Glan, where landslides triggered by the powerful tremor buried residents in several barangays.
The fatalities in Glan were reported in the following areas:
- Barangay Tango – 3 deaths
- Barangay E. Alegado – 2 deaths
- Barangay Tapon – 1 death
- Barangay New Aklan – 2 deaths
- Barangay Pangyan – 1 death
- Barangay Kapatan – 1 death
- Barangay Calpidong – 2 deaths
Provincial authorities said all fatalities in Glan were attributed to landslides caused by the earthquake.
Meanwhile, eight deaths were recorded in the municipality of Malapatan. The victims were reported from Barangays Daan Suyan, Poblacion, Lun Padidu, Sapu Masla, and Tuyan.
According to official reports, the causes of death included drowning, being struck by rolling boulders, burial under fallen debris, and landslides.
Thousands Displaced
The earthquake caused widespread destruction to homes, roads, and critical infrastructure throughout the province. Disaster officials noted that the number of displaced residents continues to rise as structural inspections uncover additional unsafe buildings and residences.
Many affected families remain dependent on government assistance while emergency shelters continue to accommodate evacuees who cannot yet return to their homes due to safety concerns and recurring aftershocks.
Province-Wide State of Calamity
In response to the worsening humanitarian situation, Governor Rogelio D. Pacquiao signed Executive Order No. 34, Series of 2026, extending emergency measures previously imposed under Executive Order No. 33.
The extension follows the formal declaration of a State of Calamity across the entire province through Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 2026-12-176 and recommendations from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC).
The municipalities of Glan, Alabel, and Malapatan had earlier declared their own local states of calamity due to the severe impacts of the earthquake.
Under the new executive order, emergency protocols will remain in effect from June 11 to June 17, 2026.
Classes Suspended, Safety Inspections Intensified
Governor Pacquiao ordered the continued suspension of face-to-face classes at all levels throughout Sarangani Province, while encouraging schools to adopt alternative learning modalities whenever possible.
The order also directs Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) teams to intensify structural inspections of public and private buildings.
Authorities stressed that no facility flagged during safety assessments will be allowed to reopen without clearance from licensed engineers or authorized government inspectors. Re-occupancy permits will only be granted after official evaluation reports confirm that structures are safe for public use.
Flexible Work Arrangements Continue
Alternative work arrangements, including work-from-home and skeleton workforce schemes, have also been extended until June 17.
However, personnel assigned to critical government services—including disaster response, public safety, healthcare, social welfare, revenue collection, and regulatory enforcement—will continue full in-person operations to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services.
Aftershocks Continue to Threaten Communities
Provincial officials warned that significant aftershocks continue to be felt across Sarangani, posing ongoing risks to residents and already weakened structures.
Disaster management authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid entering damaged buildings, and immediately report hazards to local government units and emergency responders.
As rescue operations continue and damage assessments expand, provincial officials said the focus remains on saving lives, providing humanitarian assistance, restoring essential services, and accelerating rehabilitation efforts for thousands of families affected by one of the most destructive earthquakes to hit Sarangani in recent years.