MANILA, Philippines – A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Sarangani and nearby provinces on Monday morning, June 8, 2026, triggering tsunami waves, widespread destructive shaking, and a series of strong aftershocks across parts of Mindanao.
According to the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), the earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. Philippine Standard Time with an offshore epicenter located 32 kilometers west of Maasim, Sarangani, at a depth of 33 kilometers.
PHIVOLCS said the earthquake was tectonic in origin and was likely caused by subduction along the Cotabato Trench based on the event's location, focal mechanism, and aftershock distribution.
The agency reported that as of 11:00 a.m., a total of 138 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.3 to 6.7 had been recorded by the Philippine Seismic Network, with more aftershocks expected in the coming days and weeks.
Ground shaking reached Intensity VII or "Destructive" on the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale in General Santos City, while weaker tremors were felt in several areas across Mindanao and as far as Abuyog and Dulag in Leyte.
The strong offshore earthquake also generated tsunami waves approximately one meter high along the coasts of Kiamba and Maasim in Sarangani and Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat, according to data from PHIVOLCS sea level monitoring stations.
Smaller tsunami waves measuring less than one meter were likewise recorded in Mati City and Zamboanga City, prompting authorities to closely monitor coastal communities.
PHIVOLCS subsequently issued a tsunami warning for the coasts of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato due to the threat of destructive tsunami waves.
Authorities also warned of secondary hazards associated with the earthquake, including landslides, rockfalls, liquefaction, ground fissures, coastal inundation, and sinkholes in vulnerable areas.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant, prepare for aftershocks, avoid damaged structures, and immediately evacuate to higher ground if natural tsunami warning signs such as strong shaking, unusual sea-level changes, or roaring waves are observed.
PHIVOLCS emphasized that the earthquake was not related to volcanic activity despite the proximity of Matutum and Parker volcanoes and announced the deployment of a Quick Response Team to assess geological impacts and assist affected communities.
— The Summit Express
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