AT least nineteen people were killed and four others sustained injuries in the Soccsksargen region following the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao, according to the Philippine National Police.
In its situation report released at 10:50 a.m., Police Regional Office 12 confirmed that all casualties were civilians, with no reports of law enforcement or rescue personnel harmed during the initial impact and response efforts. The tremor, which was strongly felt across wide areas of Mindanao, triggered immediate assessments of safety and damage in towns and cities under the region’s jurisdiction.
Structural damage was also documented in 20 locations, covering both public and private facilities. Authorities noted that 14 commercial establishments, two schools, two hospitals, and two residential houses suffered varying degrees of damage, ranging from cracked walls and broken windows to more serious impairments that rendered some structures unsafe for entry. Inspectors continue to evaluate the extent of destruction to determine which buildings require repair, reinforcement, or total evacuation to prevent further accidents or collapse during possible aftershocks.
Essential services were also disrupted in the aftermath, with power outages recorded in 26 different areas across Soccsksargen. The quake also triggered a landslide in one locality, temporarily blocking roads and limiting access to some communities. Utility providers have been working to restore electricity as quickly as possible, while local disaster teams are clearing debris and monitoring terrain stability to ensure that secondary hazards do not endanger residents or hamper relief and rescue movements.
To manage the situation and assist affected communities, the police have deployed a total of 500 personnel supported by 23 vehicles throughout the region.
Of these, 390 officers were assigned to search, rescue, and retrieval operations, while 100 were tasked with securing vital installations and public order. Another 150 personnel remain on standby for additional deployment, and 10 members were drawn from the Women and Children Protection Center to provide specialized assistance to vulnerable groups. The force continues to coordinate with local government units and other agencies to ensure a swift and organized response to the disaster.
