KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. expressed gratitude to the provinces of Cebu and Bohol for reaching out and helping following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday.
The governor said the gesture demonstrates the spirit of solidarity among local government units during times of crisis.
“We are thankful to the provinces of Cebu and Bohol for their concern and willingness to help. This is how provinces help each other during difficult times,” Tamayo said.
Despite the offers of assistance, the governor assured the public that South Cotabato remains on top of the situation, citing the province’s quick and coordinated response immediately after the earthquake.
“Our quick response mechanism remains intact. South Cotabato is ready and capable of responding to emergencies. We continue to monitor the situation closely and provide the necessary assistance to affected communities,” he said.
As of the latest report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the earthquake left two persons dead and 185 injured in South Cotabato. Damage assessment teams have also recorded 47 damaged buildings, two damaged bridges, and 10 road sections that sustained partial damage due to the strong ground shaking.
The earthquake struck at approximately 7:37 a.m. on June 8, with its epicenter located about 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, Sarangani Province. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded the earthquake at magnitude 7.8, while Instrumental Intensity VII was experienced in Koronadal City and other parts of South Cotabato. The tremor was felt across Mindanao and triggered tsunami warnings that were later lifted by authorities.
Tamayo noted that while South Cotabato was among the provinces affected by the earthquake, it has also extended assistance to neighboring General Santos City and Sarangani Province, which suffered heavier damage.
“In fact, we have already sent help to General Santos City and Sarangani. Our Search and Rescue Team is there assisting local responders, and our search and rescue dogs have also been deployed to support retrieval operations,” the governor said.
The governor likewise commended South Cotabateños for their cooperation and unity, which he said enabled authorities to immediately address the challenges brought by the disaster.
“I would like to thank all South Cotabateños for their unity and cooperation. Sa tunay na pagkakaisa, na-address natin kaagad ang problema sa maikling panahon,” Tamayo said.
He emphasized that despite the strong earthquake, no evacuation centers were established, and no residents were displaced in South Cotabato.
“Wala tayong evacuation centers at wala rin tayong evacuees. Ipinakita natin kung paano nagkakaisa ang South Cotabato sa panahon ng pagsubok,” he said.
According to the governor, the province’s preparedness programs, coordinated response efforts, and the cooperation of residents played a vital role in preventing a larger humanitarian crisis.
“This is how South Cotabato unites during difficult times. Ipagpatuloy natin ang pagkakaisa dahil ito ang ating pinakamalaking lakas bilang isang lalawigan,” Tamayo added.
Provincial authorities continue to monitor aftershocks and conduct infrastructure assessments while response teams remain on standby. Relief supplies and emergency resources remain available should additional assistance be needed in affected communities.
South Cotabato’s rescue personnel continue to assist neighboring Sarangani Province as regional recovery and response operations proceed.
