Mindanao 7.8 Earthquake Grounds Flights, Claims Lives, Sparks Chaos

Mindanao 7.8 Earthquake Grounds Flights, Claims Lives, Sparks Chaos

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | June 8, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – A powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake has unleashed widespread disruption across Mindanao, leaving at least three dead, four injured, and stranding thousands of air travelers as General Santos Airport (GES) remains closed.

The seismic event, centered in Sarangani, also prompted a tsunami warning from PHIVOLCS, escalating the regional crisis.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) immediately suspended all airport operations at GES, issuing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) from 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM today.

This critical measure allows for urgent assessments of vital air navigation facilities, equipment, and operational capabilities to ensure the safety of future flights. Passengers are urged to contact their airlines for real-time flight status updates.

Seventeen Flights Canceled, Thousands Affected

The sudden closure has led to the cancellation of 17 flights across major carriers, impacting thousands of passengers:

Cebu Pacific

11 flights, including routes to and from Iloilo, Manila, and Cebu.

PAL Express

4 flights, serving routes between Cebu and General Santos, and Manila and General Santos.

Philippine Airlines

2 flights, connecting Manila and General Santos.

Fatalities and Injuries Confirmed, Extensive Damage Reported

The Police Regional Office 12 confirms three fatalities and four civilian injuries following the quake, initially reported as a magnitude 7.8. Damage assessments reveal significant impacts on infrastructure, including two schools, two hospitals, 14 commercial establishments, and two residential houses. A landslide has also been reported.

Massive Emergency Response Underway

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deployed 390 search and rescue personnel and 23 mobile units to aid emergency operations. An additional 100 personnel are securing critical installations, with 150 more on standby for deployment.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has identified Regions 12, 11, 9, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as the most severely impacted. Evacuations continue in coastal communities as authorities monitor potential hazards and assess the disaster’s full extent.

Widespread infrastructure damage has been reported, with power and communication services disrupted in various locations. In response to the escalating crisis, government operations have been elevated to a full Red Alert status. The Operations Center, National Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell, and various government response clusters are on heightened alert to ensure swift coordination and emergency actions.

Close coordination is maintained with local disaster risk reduction and management offices for a unified response. Following directives from the President and the Department of National Defense (DND), DND and OCD officials are scheduled to visit affected areas for immediate assessments and direct response operations. Damage validation, rescue efforts, and relief operations are ongoing as authorities gather critical information from affected communities.

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