Senators from the majority bloc delivered financial assistance and relief goods to communities affected by a recent earthquake in General Santos City and Sarangani Province, as part of ongoing efforts to support recovery in Mindanao.

The delegation, which included Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin 'Win' Gatchalian, Majority Leader Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri, Finance Committee Chairman Sen. J.V. Ejercito, and Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman Sen. Erwin Tulfo, visited the quake-hit areas to assess conditions on the ground and provide immediate aid.

Gatchalian said the group aimed to ensure that assistance reaches affected residents while also identifying additional needs in the communities.

The senators distributed P2.5 million in cash assistance, along with sacks of rice, to families affected by the earthquake in General Santos City and several barangays in Sarangani.

“Makakaasa kayong patuloy po tayong makikipag-ugnayan sa iba't ibang ahensya upang masiguro na walang mapag-iiwanan sa proseso ng pagbangon,” Gatchalian said in an online post.

Local officials continue to work with national agencies and lawmakers to expedite relief and rehabilitation efforts following the disaster.

On June 8, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coastal waters of Mindanao, affecting several cities and municipalities in the region. As of Friday morning, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said that the death toll from the earthquake has risen to 55, with 1,120 reported injuries.