7.8 Earthquake Hits Sarangani, Philippine Palace Assures Emergency Funds are Safe

Local government officials in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, were outside the building after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake shook most of Mindanao, Philippines, Monday (8/6/2026). The earthquake triggered tsunami warnings in a number of coastal areas. (Photo: LGU Hinatuan via PNA)

JAKARTA - A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 off the coast of Sarangani immediately tested the readiness of the Philippine government. According to a report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) quoted on Monday, June 8, a tsunami warning was issued in a number of coastal areas of Mindanao. Residents in vulnerable areas are asked to go to higher places and follow evacuation instructions.

Malacañang, the Philippine Presidential Palace, ensures that government funds are still sufficient to finance rescue operations and assistance for affected residents. In disasters, claims like this are important. However, what the residents are most looking forward to is the speed of assistance in the field.

Palace spokesperson Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had ordered all relevant agencies to immediately take action. The government's focus, said Castro, is on rescue, evacuation, and emergency assistance.

"We know that the funds currently available are still sufficient for the implementation of rescue and evacuation operations, as well as to reduce the impact of the disaster that occurred today," Castro said at a press conference at the Palace.

The Philippine Department of Budget and Management (DBM) stated that the Quick Response Fund (QRF) is still available and can be immediately used for disaster management and relief operations.

"For handling the Sarangani earthquake, the QRF resources currently available are still available and can be immediately deployed by the relevant agencies. DBM is also ready to provide the necessary budgetary support as needed," said DBM.

According to PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology), which was quoted by PNA, the earthquake occurred about 32 kilometers west of Maasim, Sarangani, at a depth of 33 kilometers. PHIVOLCS is a government agency that monitors earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity in the Philippines.

The strong tremor triggered tsunami warnings in several coastal provinces of Mindanao. Authorities asked residents in vulnerable areas to stay away from the coast, head to higher ground, and comply with evacuation instructions.

The Mindanao region is on a seismic fault line in Southeast Asia. Therefore, the government's quick response is key, especially for the evacuation of coastal residents, the distribution of logistics, medical services, and monitoring of potential tsunamis.