Foreign embassies in the Philippines, including France, China, Israel, Japan, and the United States, expressed condolences and support following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday, June 8.

As rescue and assessment operations continue in affected areas across Mindanao, diplomatic missions in Manila have extended their sympathies to the victims and pledged support for communities impacted by the disaster.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her condolences to the victims, their families, and affected communities following the June 8 earthquake in Mindanao.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their lives and to their bereaved families, and my sincere sympathies to all those affected," Takaichi said.

The French Embassy in Manila said France was "deeply saddened" by the loss of lives and destruction caused by the earthquake.

"France extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and expresses its full solidarity with the Filipino people and the authorities responding to this disaster," the embassy said in a statement.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila likewise expressed sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to those who lost family members and loved ones.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Philippine people, mourn those who lost their lives, and express our sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and all those affected by the disaster," the embassy said in a social media post.

Takaichi stressed that Japan "always stands with the people of the Philippines" and "stands ready to provide all possible assistance that the Philippines may need, based on local needs."

Earlier, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya urged residents to remain vigilant following the earthquake and potential tsunami threats.

"We are praying for the safety of everyone following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake, especially in several coastal provinces in Mindanao and the surrounding areas," Kazuya said. "Let us all stay alert and remain vigilant in monitoring the situation," he added.

Japanese Consul General Ono Hirotaka also conveyed his condolences to those affected by what he described as a destructive earthquake impacting communities across a large portion of Mindanao.

"Japan stands in solidarity with the people of Mindanao and will continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with local partners," he said. "Japan sincerely hopes for a swift recovery and for affected communities to rebuild their lives and move forward with resilience and hope," he added.

The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines issued a message of solidarity with residents of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and neighboring provinces affected by the earthquake.

The Israeli mission said it mourned the loss of lives and expressed support for those who were injured, displaced, or otherwise affected by the disaster. It also recognized the efforts of first responders and volunteers assisting affected communities.

"During this difficult time, the people of Israel stand with the Filipino people in hope, resilience, and solidarity as affected communities begin the journey toward recovery," the embassy said in a Facebook post.

The U.S. Embassy also extended its "deepest sympathies" to all those affected by the earthquake in Mindanao.

"We continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with Philippine authorities and stand ready to support Philippine-led response efforts," the embassy said in a social media post.

Earlier, the U.S. Embassy in Manila issued a natural disaster alert after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a magnitude 7.8 earthquake off the coast of Sarangani at 7:37 a.m.

The embassy said the Office of Civil Defense and other Philippine disaster management agencies were conducting assessments and deploying emergency responders to affected areas.

"The Embassy continues to monitor the situation in coordination with Philippine authorities," the U.S. Embassy said. "The American Citizens Services Unit in Manila and the Consular Agency in Cebu remain fully operational," it added.