Philippines: Strong Earthquake Damages Parish Church, Disrupts Catholic Schools in Mindanao

The Holy Cross Parish Church in Barangay Calumpang, General Santos City, was among the structures damaged after a powerful earthquake struck parts of the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on June 8.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. with a magnitude of 7.0 and a depth of 10 kilometers. The epicenter was located about 13 kilometers south of General Santos City.

PHIVOLCS reported Intensity VII in General Santos City, indicating very destructive shaking. Several areas in Sultan Kudarat, Davao Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, and neighboring provinces also felt strong ground movement.

The earthquake also prompted the suspension of classes and office operations in several Catholic educational institutions across Mindanao.

In an official advisory, Notre Dame of Kulaman, Inc. in Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat, announced the suspension of all classes and office work until further notice. School administrators reported that all students, faculty members, staff, and personnel were safe, with no casualties or injuries recorded following an initial assessment.

“We thank God for His protection and continue to pray for all individuals and communities affected by this event,” the school said, while urging the community to remain vigilant amid possible aftershocks.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame of Parang reported that its emergency preparedness measures were immediately activated when the quake struck. School authorities said a campus-wide alarm prompted students and teachers to carry out the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” procedure before proceeding to designated evacuation areas.

Church leaders and school administrators have called on the faithful to pray for affected communities as authorities continue damage assessments and monitor aftershocks.

PHIVOLCS advised residents in areas affected by the earthquake to remain alert, follow safety protocols, and await further updates from local disaster management offices and government agencies.