Classes in all public and private schools in Cotabato City were suspended on Monday following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that was felt across the area.
Government work in ministries, offices, and agencies under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was also suspended in the Bangsamoro Government Center and other parts of the city to allow for safety inspections and precautionary measures.
The city government of Cotabato said the suspension covers all levels in both public and private schools to ensure the safety of learners, parents, and school personnel. It added that city government offices may continue operations as necessary, with emergency and essential services remaining on duty.
Residents were advised to remain alert and await further advisories from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and other concerned authorities.
In a separate memorandum, the Office of the Chief Minister directed the immediate suspension of work in all BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies located within the Bangsamoro Government Center and other parts of Cotabato City.
The directive, contained in Circular No. 0096, Series of 2026 dated June 8, 2026, was issued by Senior Minister Said Salendab by authority of Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.
The memorandum stated that the suspension of work was intended to allow safety inspections, damage assessments, and other necessary precautionary measures following the earthquake.
Bangsamoro ministries, offices, and agencies (BMOAs) were instructed to form inspection teams and submit reports to the Office of the Senior Minister not later than 6:00 p.m. on Monday.
However, agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other essential functions were directed to continue operations to ensure uninterrupted public service.
Further advisories will be issued once inspections are completed and it is deemed safe for employees to return to work.
Both the Cotabato City Government and BARMM officials emphasized that the measures were taken to protect public safety in the aftermath of the earthquake. Residents and workers were urged to stay vigilant and follow official updates from disaster response offices and local authorities.