President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. convened a situation briefing on Tuesday as the government intensified its response efforts following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck several areas in Mindanao on Monday.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, June 9, the President received updates from Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Harold Cabreros, and local government officials, including General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao.
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) shared that Cabinet officials are currently in Mindanao following Marcos' directive to implement a whole-of-government response, providing reports on ongoing rescue operations, damage assessments, and the immediate needs of affected communities.
During the briefing, Cabreros, who is stationed in Sarangani province, reported a significant increase in casualties caused by the powerful earthquake.
According to the latest OCD report, the death toll has risen to 37, while 456 individuals have been injured and four others remain missing. Of the fatalities, 33 were recorded in Region 12 and four in Davao Occidental.
Cabreros also reported widespread damage to infrastructure across the affected areas. A total of 19 roads remain impassable, while nine bridges, one seaport, and one airport sustained damage. More than 1,800 houses were also affected by the earthquake.
As of reporting time, damage has been recorded in at least 47 infrastructure facilities.
Classes have likewise been suspended in two regions as officials continue to assess the impact of the disaster and ensure public safety.
Cabreros said there were no major issues reported in evacuation centers, although some facilities were temporarily not being utilized due to persistent aftershocks.
To support response operations, around 210 personnel have been deployed to conduct rescue and retrieval missions in the hardest-hit areas.
