According to The Hindu, citing reports from the Associated Press (AP), the earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. local time and was centered approximately 13 kilometers southwest of General Santos City, a major commercial hub in the southern Mindanao region with a population of over 700,000.
Disaster management officials confirmed that 12 people lost their lives in the Soccsksargen region of Mindanao, while three additional fatalities were reported in Davao Occidental province. Authorities also reported at least 129 injuries, with many victims suffering bruises and panic-related incidents during the powerful tremor.
The earthquake caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. A key access bridge in General Santos City sustained damage, while a Jollibee fast-food restaurant reportedly collapsed. Several other structures suffered cracks and partial collapses, sending debris onto streets and parked vehicles.
The strong quake also disrupted air travel. Civil aviation authorities temporarily shut down General Santos International Airport, leading to the cancellation of 17 domestic flights.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged residents in coastal communities to evacuate immediately and move to higher ground following tsunami alerts issued by national and regional authorities.
> “Please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind,” President Marcos said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the earthquake originated from movement along the Cotabato Trench at a depth of about 10 kilometers. Institute Director Teresito Bacolcol described the event as a major earthquake and warned that additional damage assessments were still underway.
Tsunami monitoring stations recorded waves of approximately one meter (three feet) in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that waves as high as three meters could impact some Philippine coastlines, while smaller waves were expected in parts of Indonesia and Malaysia.
Malaysia's Meteorological Department issued a tsunami alert for Sabah state on Borneo Island, while Indonesian authorities reported an 83-centimeter tsunami near Sulawesi Island. Tsunami advisories were also issued for several Pacific regions, although officials later lifted warnings for Guam and confirmed there was no threat to Hawaii.
Numerous aftershocks followed the initial quake, including tremors measuring up to magnitude 6.5, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Variations in magnitude and depth measurements between agencies are common in the immediate aftermath of major seismic events.
The Philippines remains one of the world's most disaster-prone nations due to its location along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The country also experiences around 20 typhoons and tropical storms each year.
Emergency response teams have been deployed across affected areas as authorities continue search, rescue, and damage assessment operations. Officials warned residents to remain alert for aftershocks and possible further sea-level changes in coastal regions.
Source: The Hindu / Associated Press (AP)
Published: June 8, 2026