The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has raised a Red Alert status following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao, prompting the preparation of national government response teams and closer coordination with local authorities, as reported by RH Edniel Parrosa.

The quake, which rocked Maasim, Sarangani, triggered emergency preparedness measures across government agencies as authorities assessed damage and casualties in affected areas.

Officials from the Department of National Defense and the Office of Civil Defense convened an early morning coordination meeting to map out response operations and ensure the rapid deployment of assistance to affected provinces.

Government agencies, uniformed services, and local government units remain on alert and are maintaining continuous coordination as aftershocks and damage assessments continue.

Authorities have prepared the possible deployment of national response teams to assist local rescue and relief operations. Harold Cabreros is also set to travel to General Santos City to oversee coordination efforts and accelerate the delivery of aid to affected communities.

Furthermore, as of 11:30 AM, the Police Regional Office 12 reported that at least three people were killed and four others were injured in connection with the earthquake.