More quake-hit towns in Sarangani declare state of calamity

More areas have declared a state of calamity due to the destructive magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday, June 8, 2026.

The towns of Malapatan and Glan in Sarangani were placed under a state of calamity due to the destruction caused by the powerful tremor.

In Malapatan, the tremor shook buildings so violently that concrete posts swayed. At a school in Barangay Upper Suyan, students cried and panicked as the quake struck.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Intensity VIII was felt in Malapatan, the strongest intensity of the earthquake.

After the shaking, the damage forced the closure of the Masla Bridge after its beams were compromised.

In Glan town, landslides blocked roads and vehicles were struck by falling rocks during the tremor.

Glan Mayor Victor James Yap, Sr. said up to 20 people died in the town due to the earthquake, based on initial report.

Residents affected are in need of food and water. The area is also experiencing power outage and lack of mobile phone signal.

“Hindi ko na sila na-evacuate kasi ang evacuation center ko nasira nung 2023… humingi ako funding… hindi ako nabigyan ng funding… wala na akong mapadalhan ng evacuees,” Yap said.

(I could not longer evacuate people because our evacuation center has been damaged since 2023... I asked for funding... I did not receive any... I have nowhere to shelter evacuees.)

Officials said the town has not recovered fully yet from the earthquake that struck in 2023.

Through an executive order, Sarangani Governor Rogelio Pacquiao implemented province-wide emergency measures in response to the effects of the June 8, 2026 earthquake.

In General Santos City, which was also placed under a state of calamity, several sections of the GenSan-T’boli-Surallah Road were closed temporarily.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) inspected the area and found that the road is inaccessible to motorists due to the damage. —Sarah Hilomen Velasco, GMA Regional TV News