Residents of General Santos City were advised by a city public information officer to stay vigilant amid persistent aftershocks following the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday morning, June 8.

The city, situated on the shores of Sarangani Bay in the Soccsksargen region—one of the hardest-hit areas—recorded nine dead and 142 injured as of 3:30 p.m., said General Santos City Public Information Officer Rombel S. Catolico during an exclusive interview on Public Service Hour.

He said that students who began the new school year have left school premises following the immediate suspension of classes.

During the afternoon interview, Catolico said residents could still feel aftershocks.

“Kaya advise talaga, kung may mga nakikinig na taga-dito sa GenSan, na maging mapamatyag, and then kung may mga emergency, i-contact kaagad ang PDRRMO hotline: 552-3939,” he said.

The Public Information officer disclosed that Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian was in the city, briefing its mayor, and so was the city’s District Rep. Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles.

While he cannot ascertain the extent of the resulting damage, Catolico said five malls, seven hospitals, four hotels, five schools, three restaurants, two banks, two pharmacies, and the GenSan airport all reported structural damage. However, their roads remain passable.

“Sa mga taga-GenSan: maging mapamatyag po tayo, and then as much as possible, try po natin na mai-charge ang ating mga telepono, at kailangan, ready po ‘yung mga Go Bag. And then sundin natin ‘yung mga nalaman at naituro sa atin sa mga earthquake drill. I hope you keep safe and, of course, be vigilant,” he addressed the locals of GenSan.