CBCP calls for prayers, aid for Mindanao earthquake victims

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on Tuesday urged Filipinos to pray for and extend assistance to victims of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday.

In a statement, CBCP President and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera called on bishops nationwide to hold a second collection during Sunday Masses on June 14.

Garcera said the proceeds would be coursed through diocesan social action centers and Caritas Philippines to support emergency relief and rehabilitation efforts in affected communities.

He also encouraged Church institutions to include a special Prayer of the Faithful in all Masses next Sunday for earthquake victims, emergency and humanitarian responders, and the recovery of devastated communities.

“In moments such as these, we are reminded that the Church is called to be a sign of hope and a witness of charity. As one family in Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Their pain is our pain; their loss is our loss,” Garcera said.

Meanwhile, the reported death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck offshore Sarangani on Monday has risen to 37, according to the Office of Civil Defense.

As of 6 a.m. Tuesday, authorities recorded 33 fatalities in Soccsksargen — 18 in Sarangani, 12 in General Santos City, and three in South Cotabato — and four more deaths in the Davao Region. (SunStar Publishing Inc.)

A total of 456 people were reported injured, while four remained missing.—MCG, GMA News