PEOPLE on motorcycles pass by a collapsed structure after an earthquake in General Santos City on Monday, June 8, 2026. (AP)
CEBU CITY – The local government units of Bohol and Cebu are extending assistance to General Santos City, one of the areas in Mindanao hit by a powerful earthquake on Monday morning, June 8.
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado announced that the province is sending two Search, Rescue, and Retrieval (SRR) teams to General Santos and Sarangani.
Aumentado said the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) immediately convened after parts of Mindanao were hit by the magnitude-7.8 earthquake.
“The province of Bohol stands with our beloved Mindanaonons who are currently facing this big challenge,” said Aumentado, who is monitoring the situation while he and other governors were attending the Technical Learning Exchange in Canada.
Cebu is donating P10-million cash to General Santos City.
In their regular session on Monday, the provincial board approved the request of Gov. Pamela Baricuatro to extend financial assistance to General Santos.
"The province of Cebu has consistently upheld the spirit of solidarity and mutual aid among local government units, especially during disasters and crises," Baricuatro said.
Board Member Andrei Duterte said the body is waiting for the result of the continuing assessment on the extent of damage in Southern Mindanao.
Pending the result of the assessment, Duterte said the province is initially extending financial assistance to General Santos.
"We are hoping that by next week we will be passing similar resolutions to give financial assistance to other affected areas,” Duterte said.
Baricuatro has ordered the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to closely monitor developments and coordinate with local disaster management offices in Cebu.
“I have also instructed our PDRRMO to reach out to the disaster management authorities in General Santos City and other affected areas to determine how the province of Cebu may assist should help be needed,” Baricuatro said.
While the earthquake did not significantly affect Cebu, Baricuatro urged Cebuanos to remain alert and follow official advisories.
“While there are no reports of significant effects in Cebu at this time, I encourage all Cebuanos to remain vigilant, stay informed through official advisories, and be prepared for possible aftershocks,” she said.