Death Toll Unconfirmed After Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Strikes Southern Philippines

June 8, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

Philippine authorities are verifying reports of at least five deaths in General Santos City following a magnitude 7.8 offshore earthquake that struck southern Mindanao on Monday, as emergency teams continue damage assessment and casualty confirmation across affected areas.

Agripino Dacera, head of disaster management in General Santos, said the reported fatalities remain unconfirmed, with officials still cross-checking information as field operations proceed on the ground.

The earthquake, which originated offshore near southern Mindanao, triggered strong shaking across several provinces and prompted tsunami warnings along parts of the Philippine coastline before alerts were later lifted or downgraded.

Early impact assessments from local authorities point to structural damage in General Santos, including reported destruction at commercial establishments and damage to public buildings.

The quake was followed by significant aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.1 tremor offshore in the same region.

Seismological agencies described the event as shallow, a factor that typically intensifies surface shaking.