A major earthquake with magnitude (Mw) 7.8 struck offshore Sarangani at 07:37 AM Philippine Standard Time (PST) on Monday, 08 June 2026. The epicenter was located 32 kilometers west of Maasim, Sarangani, at an estimated depth of 33 kilometers.
Based on the location of the earthquake, focal mechanism, and aftershock distribution, DOST-PHIVOLCS attributes the earthquake to subduction along the Cotabato Trench. The earthquake is tectonic in origin.
As of 11:00 AM PST on 08 June 2026, the DOST-PHIVOLCS Philippine Seismic Network (PSN) had recorded a total of 138 aftershocks ranging from M1.3 to M6.7. Aftershocks are expected to persist for several days to weeks, and some may be felt in nearby provinces.
Using the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS), the highest reported intensity was PEIS VII (Destructive), felt in General Santos City. Ground shaking was felt as far as Abuyog and Dulag in Leyte at PEIS II (Slightly Felt).
Tsunami
The earthquake triggered a tsunami. Waves approximately 1 meter in height were recorded along the coasts of Kiamba and Maasim, Sarangani, and Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, based on data from DOST-PHIVOLCS Sea Level Monitoring Stations. Tsunami waves less than 1 meter in height were also recorded in Mati City and Zamboanga City.
DOST-PHIVOLCS issued a Tsunami Warning of a destructive tsunami for the coasts of Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato provinces.
Coastal communities are reminded of the natural warning signs of a local tsunami: a strong earthquake ("shake"), a sudden rise or fall of seawater ("drop"), and the sound of incoming waves ("roar"). If any of these signs are observed, immediately evacuate to higher ground.
Other Earthquake Hazards
Earthquake-induced landslides, rockfalls, and other types of mass movement may have occurred in mountainous or hilly areas. Liquefaction — manifested by subsidence, ground fissures, sand boils, and/or lateral spreads — may have affected low-lying, water-saturated, and sandy areas near water bodies.
Active river channels and coastal areas may be vulnerable to inundation due to the combination of liquefaction-induced subsidence and changes in sea level. Sinkholes may appear in areas with limestone bedrock. Slopes should be inspected for tension or incipient cracks that may have formed due to strong ground shaking, as these can increase landslide risk during heavy rainfall or aftershocks.
Volcanic Activity
The Mw 7.8 earthquake is tectonic in origin and does not indicate volcanic activity. The nearest active volcanoes to Sarangani are Matutum and Parker Volcanoes. In line with standard monitoring protocols, DOST-PHIVOLCS will continue to closely monitor the area for any volcanic activity that may be affected by the event.
Safety Advice
The public is advised to prepare for aftershocks. In case of strongly felt earthquakes, the "Drop, Cover, and Hold" procedure should be observed. Heavy furniture and appliances at home and in workplaces should be securely anchored to walls, and hanging objects properly fastened.
Caution should be exercised around structures that appear weakened or show signs of damage, as these may sustain further damage from succeeding earthquakes. Damaged buildings should not be reoccupied until certified safe by structural engineers. The public is advised to coordinate with their Municipal/City Engineering Office for inspection and guidance.
Landslides and tension cracks should be reported to local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices.
The public is urged to rely only on information released by DOST-PHIVOLCS and other authorized agencies, and to refrain from sharing unverified information, rumors, and fake news.
PHIVOLCS Response
DOST-PHIVOLCS will deploy a Quick Response Team (QRT) to Sarangani Province and vicinity to conduct geologic impact assessments and information dissemination campaigns.
For updates, visit www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph or follow PHIVOLCS on Facebook and on X at @phivolcs_dost. Earthquake observation hotlines: DOST-PHIVOLCS Main Office, Quezon City — (02) 8929-9254 and (02) 8426-1468 to 79; DOST-PHIVOLCS PMCMCET — (082) 293-0008; DOST-PHIVOLCS General Santos Seismic Station — (083) 877-7091.
Source: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), DOST-PHIVOLCS Primer on the 08 June 2026 Magnitude (Mw) 7.8 Offshore Sarangani Earthquake, Update as of 08 June 2026, 12:00 PM.