A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck parts of Mindanao on Monday morning, June 8, disrupting the opening day of classes and prompting the suspension of classes and government work in several areas.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the quake occurred at 7:37 a.m., with its epicenter located about 125 kilometers northeast of Sarangani.
The strong tremor sent students and teachers rushing out of classrooms as school officials activated emergency protocols on the first day of the school year.
In Koronadal City, the regional center of Soccsksargen (Region 12), internet, electricity, and water services were disrupted following the quake.
Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao ordered the suspension of classes at all levels, while Kidapawan City also suspended classes and government work as authorities assessed possible damage.
At the Cotabato City Central Pilot Elementary School and other schools in the city, students were evacuated from their classrooms as a precautionary measure.
In General Santos City, portions of the SM City mall reportedly sustained damage from the tremor.
Phivolcs reported Intensity VII in General Santos City; Intensity VI in Palimbang and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat; and Intensity V in Davao City, Kidapawan City, Carmen in Cotabato Province, Bagumbayan, Kalamansig, and President Quirino in Sultan Kudarat, as well as Sibuco and Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte.
The agency said aftershocks were expected as authorities continued monitoring the situation.
No casualties were immediately reported as of posting time.