Update as of 08 June 2026 (12:00 PM)
What happened in Sarangani and vicinity?
At 07:37 AM Philippine Standard Time (PST) on 08 June 2026 (Monday), a major earthquake with magnitude (MW) 7.8 rocked Sarangani and surrounding provinces. The earthquake has an offshore epicenter located 32 kilometers west of Maasim, Sarangani, and an estimated depth of 33 kilometers (Figure 1). Based on the location of the earthquake, focal mechanism, and aftershock distribution, the earthquake may be attributed to subduction along the Cotabato Trench. As of 11:00 AM PST on 08 June 2026, the DOST-PHIVOLCS Philippine Seismic Network (PSN) has recorded a total of 138 aftershocks ranging from M1.3 to M6.7.
Using the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS), the highest reported intensity is PEIS VII (Destructive), which was felt in General Santos City (Earthquake Information No. 2). The ground shaking was felt as far as Abuyog and Dulag in Leyte at PEIS II (Slightly felt).
What can we expect from the current earthquake activity?
We can expect aftershocks in the epicentral area. These aftershocks could persist for several days to weeks, and some may be felt in nearby provinces.
Did this earthquake event trigger a tsunami?
Yes. Tsunami waves were recorded along the coasts of Kiamba and Maasim, Sarangani, and Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, with a height of approximately 1 meter, based on data from the DOST-PHIVOLCS Sea Level Monitoring Stations. Tsunami waves less than 1 meter in height were also recorded in Mati City and Zamboanga City.
DOST-PHIVOLCS released a Tsunami Warning of a destructive tsunami for the coasts of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato provinces. In case of another strong earthquake in the vicinity, people should be watchful and stay away from beaches and coasts.
Aside from strong ground shaking and tsunami, what other earthquake hazards may be observed?
Earthquake-induced landslides, rock falls, and other types of mass movement may have occurred in mountainous or hilly areas. Liquefaction, manifested by subsidence, ground fissures, sand boils, and/or lateral spreads, may have affected low-lying, water-saturated, and sandy areas near water bodies. Active river channels and coastal areas may be vulnerable to inundation of seawater due to the combination of liquefaction-induced subsidence and changes in sea level. Sinkholes may appear in areas with limestone bedrock. In case of another strong earthquake, these hazards may occur.
Can this earthquake indicate volcanic activity?
No. While the nearest active volcanoes to Sarangani are the Matutum and Parker Volcanoes, the MW 7.8 earthquake is tectonic in origin. Nevertheless, in line with standard monitoring protocols for moderate to great earthquakes occurring near active volcanoes, the Institute will continue to closely monitor the area for any volcanic activity that may be affected by the event.
What should be done by the affected communities?
Prepare for aftershocks. In case of strongly felt earthquakes, the public is advised to protect themselves by doing the “Drop, Cover, and Hold” procedure. At home and in workplaces, heavy furniture and appliances should be securely anchored to walls, and hanging objects properly fastened to prevent injuries.
Exercise caution around structures that appear weakened or show signs of damage from the MW 7.8 earthquake, as these may sustain further damage by succeeding earthquakes. It is advisable to coordinate with the Municipal/City Engineering Office for inspection and guidance. Civil engineers from local government units and other agencies are strongly encouraged to assess buildings and infrastructure to determine their structural integrity and recommend appropriate measures. Damaged buildings should not be reoccupied until certified safe by structural engineers.
Slopes should be inspected for tension or incipient cracks that may have formed due to strong ground shaking. These cracks can make slopes more prone to landslides, particularly during heavy rainfall or aftershocks. Areas at risk of impending landslides should be avoided. Landslides and tension cracks should be reported to the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices.
Coastal communities should know the natural signs of an impending local tsunami. These include “shake,” a strong earthquake, “drop,” the sudden rise or fall of seawater, and “roar,” the sound of incoming waves. If any of these signs are observed, immediately evacuate to higher ground for safety.
During earthquake events, unverified information, rumors, and fake news may cause unnecessary panic. We urge the public to refrain from sharing messages from unconfirmed or unreliable sources and only rely on information released by DOST-PHIVOLCS and other authorized agencies.
Why do earthquakes occur in the vicinity of Sarangani?
Sarangani and neighboring provinces experience earthquakes as they are situated in one of the seismically active regions in the country. The coast of Sarangani faces the Cotabato Trench, a major earthquake-generating structure. Additionally, there are local faults in proximity, some potentially concealed by recent deposits. The Cotabato Trench and these active faults are capable of generating minor to great earthquakes*.
Have strong earthquakes affected Sarangani and its vicinity in the past?
Yes. At least seven significant earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from M5.7 to M8.0 affected Sarangani and nearby provinces between 1917 and 2023 based on the historical records (SEASEE, 1985) and DOST-PHIVOLCS Earthquake Catalog. The last damaging earthquake in Sarangani and its vicinity was a MW 6.8 event that occurred on 17 November 2023.
What is the role of DOST-PHIVOLCS?
DOST-PHIVOLCS conducts seismic monitoring and provides earthquake information. In addition, it operates and maintains a network of 128 seismic stations across the Philippines. The closest seismic stations are the staff-controlled seismic stations in General Santos City, Kidapawan City, and Cotabato City, the PHIVOLCS Mindanao Cluster Monitoring Center for Earthquake and Tsunami (PMCMCET) in Davao City. Additionally, staff-controlled seismic stations are located in Bislig City, Surigao City, Dipolog City, Zamboanga City, and Cagayan de Oro City, as well as satellite-telemetered seismic stations in Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental, Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat, Pikit in Cotabato, City of Mati in Davao Oriental, Tagum City in Davao del Norte, Wao in Lanao del Sur, Laak in Davao de Oro, Valencia City in Bukidnon, Cateel in Davao Oriental, Talacogon in Agusan del Sur, City of Marawi in Lanao del Sur, City of Butuan, Bacolod in Lanao del Norte, City of Tandag in Surigao del Sur, City of Pagadian in Zamboanga del Sur, General Luna in Surigao del Norte, Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay, Loreto in Dinagat Islands Province, Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte, and Bongao in Tawi-Tawi.
DOST-PHIVOLCS will deploy a Quick Response Team (QRT) to Sarangani Province and vicinity. It aims to conduct geologic impacts assessment and information dissemination campaigns to allay the fears of the public. It also works hand-in-hand with other government agencies in these localities.
Visit our website at www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph, Facebook (/PHIVOLCS), and X (@phivolcs_dost) for earthquake information, volcano updates, hazard maps, and other information. Earthquake observations may be reported at the telephone numbers:
- DOST-PHIVOLCS Main Office, Quezon City: (02) 8929-9254 and (02) 8426-1468 to 79, local 307 and 308
- DOST-PHIVOLCS PMCMCET: (082) 293-0008
- DOST-PHIVOLCS General Santos Seismic Station: (083) 877-7091
*M3 to 3.9 – Minor earthquakes; M4 to 4.9 – Light earthquakes; M5 to 5.9 – Moderate earthquakes; M6 to 6.9 – Strong earthquakes; M7 to 7.9 – Major earthquakes; M8.0 and above – Great earthquakes.
References:
- Bautista, M.L.P. and Oike, K. (2000). Estimation of the magnitudes and epicenters of Philippine historical earthquakes. Tectonophysics. Vol. 317. 137-169.
- Southeast Asian Association of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering (SEASEE). (1985). In: Series on Seismology (Philippines) IV. Government Printing Office. Washington D.C., USA.
- Bonita, J., Narag, I., & Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. (2025). DOST-PHIVOLCS Centroid Moment Tensor Catalog [Data set]. DOST-PHIVOLCS.
Download the PRIMER MAGNITUDE (MW) 7.8 OFFSHORE SARANGANI EARTHQUAKE: https://bit.ly/OFFSHORE-SARANGANI-EQ
