South Cotabato's Lake Holon temporarily closed to tourists following magnitude 7.8 earthquake

South Cotabato's Lake Holon has been temporarily closed to tourists following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao on Monday.

In a public advisory on Facebook, the local government of T'boli announced the suspension of activities in the crater lake and other tourist destinations in the municipality until further notice.

Lake Holon is known as the Crown Jewel of the South. Located at the top of Mount Melibingoy, it is a popular attraction for hikers.

According to PHIVOLCS, the Mindanao earthquake hit offshore Sarangani at 7:37 a.m. Following the earthquake, nine provinces were placed under tsunami warning.

As of writing, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said the reported death toll in Mindanao has increased to 19 people.

—MGP, GMA News