MANILA, Philippines – On June 8, classes in public schools opened a new academic year , but it was immediately disrupted in Mindanao after a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani province at 7:37 am, rocking many parts of Mindanao.
At least 46 people died due to the quake, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said in its update on June 13. Davao Region recorded seven deaths, 40 injured, and 22 missing, while Soccskargen counted 39 deaths, 647 injured, and 16 missing.
The NDRRMC also said at least 100,782 families have been affected by the earthquake, according to the latest situational report. At least 1,883 families are still in evacuation centers.
On June 10, the Department of Education reported that at least 1,462 classrooms were destroyed, while 5,840 had either minor or major damage in the aftermath of the tremor, prompting the agency to allocate millions of pesos for school repairs and construction of makeshift classrooms.
Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) announced devastating news on June 8 as it confirmed the deaths of basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili. Ateneo said Baterbonia, 18, and Adili, 21, drowned during the Blue Eagles’ team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
AdMU educators later issued an open letter to Ateneo president Fr. Roberto Yap, calling on school officials and the Blue Eagles coaching staff to address the deaths of basketball players in person and not just through statements.
On June 12, Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin broke his silence as he apologized for the deaths of his players, saying he “failed” as a leader and a friend.
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Parents and guardians watch over their children from a footbridge on the first day of classes at the President Corazon C. Aquino Elementary School in Quezon City on June 8, 2026. PHOTO BY ELOISA LOPEZ/REUTERS
People look at a collapsed building following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in General Santos City on June 8, 2026. PHOTO BY NOEL CELIS/REUTERS
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Park workers repaint the markers around the Rizal monument and the 150-foot Independence flagpole ahead of the observance of the 128th Philippine Independence Day, at Luneta, on June 10, 2026. PHOTO BY RAPPLER
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Shakira performs during the opening ceremony before the…
Read the full article at Rappler →📄Source document: Department of Education (DepEd)→16 reports
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 89Objective 956 days ago PNP bolsters patrols amid power outages after Mindanao earthquakeThe Philippine National Police (PNP) has increased patrols and visibility operations in response to ongoing power outages following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8. The PNP stated that all units are prepared to handle emergencies and maintain order until electricity services are fully restored. The earthquake caused building collapses and triggered tsunami warnings, with over 6,100 aftershocks recorded.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on the PNP's response to natural disasters, focusing on operational updates and public safety measures. It does not take a stance on political issues, nor does it exhibit biased language or selective sourcing. The content remains factual and neutral.
Official sources cited
- government National Electrification Administration
- government Philippine National Police (PNP)
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 89Objective 958 days ago Over 500,000 affected by Mindanao quake – DSWDOver 553,000 individuals were affected by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The DSWD-DROMIC Report No. 9 stated that 137,081 families from 401 barangays in Regions IX, XI, XII, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) were affected. The earthquake's epicenter was located 32 kilometers south-southwest of Maasim, Sarangani, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Humanitarian assistance has exceeded P84 million, with some affected individuals staying in evacuation centers or with relatives.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information based on official reports from the DSWD and Phivolcs. It provides statistics on the number of affected individuals, the amount of humanitarian assistance, and details about the earthquake's epicenter. The language is neutral and does not exhibit bias or slant.
Official sources cited
- government DSWD-DROMIC Report No. 9
- government Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)
GMA News OnlineIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 946 days ago 14 LGUs declare state of calamity after Mindanao earthquake - OCDFourteen local government units (LGUs) have declared a state of calamity following an earthquake in Mindanao, according to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD).
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a factual event—local governments declaring a state of calamity due to an earthquake—with no apparent framing, loaded language, or emphasis that suggests a political leaning.
Official sources cited
- government Office of the Civil Defense (OCD)
GMA News OnlineIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 947 days ago 173K families affected by M7.8 Mindanao earthquake - OCDThe Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that 173,000 families have been affected by the M7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.
Bias read (Center): The article reports a factual statement from an official source without any apparent framing or slant. The information provided is straightforward and does not show any bias toward a particular political stance.
Official sources cited
- government Office of Civil Defense (OCD)
GMA News OnlineIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 9412 days ago Magnitude 7.8 Mindanao earthquake death toll now 37 —OCDThe death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao has risen to 37, according to the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD).
Bias read (Center): The article reports a factual update on the death toll from an earthquake with no apparent framing or slant. The subject is not politically charged, and the report is purely informational.
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 89Objective 886 days ago Senate resolution urges gov’t to secure funds for earthquake responseA Senate resolution has been filed by Senator Joel Villanueva calling on the government to secure sufficient funds for the recovery and rehabilitation of areas affected by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao. The resolution highlights concerns about potential resource shortages and emphasizes the need for timely and comprehensive recovery efforts. It also notes the impact of the disaster on various economic sectors in Mindanao.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral summary of the Senate resolution without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on the content of the resolution and quotes the senator’s statement objectively, without using biased language or omitting key perspectives.
Official sources cited
- government Senate Resolution No. 447
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 9012 days ago Nearly 18,000 evacuees housed in centers after Mindanao earthquakeA magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off Maasim, Sarangani, resulting in 32 deaths, 12 missing, and over 200 injuries. Nearly 18,000 people were housed in evacuation centers, while another 270 families sought shelter with relatives or friends. The disaster affected 56 barangays across three regions, impacting 19,229 families or 86,245 individuals.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the earthquake's impact, including casualty numbers, evacuation efforts, and regional effects. It does not exhibit biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The content focuses on reporting the event and its consequences without apparent政治
Official sources cited
- government Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- government Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs)
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 893 days ago Congress seeks P15B in fresh funds for Mindanao rehabCongress has requested P15 billion in additional funding for the rehabilitation of areas affected by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8. The quake caused significant damage across several provinces, including General Santos City, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and South Cotabato. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported a death toll of 68 with over 1,000 people injured. Separate legislative measures have been introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to establish the Mindanao rehabilitation fund, following a special session.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding the allocation of funds for disaster recovery without apparent ideological framing. It does not exhibit biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The focus is on the event itself and the response to it.
Official sources cited
- government National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Reports
RapplerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 895 days ago LIVE UPDATES: Magnitude 7.8 Mindanao earthquakeA magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani province, causing damage to infrastructure across Mindanao and prompting evacuations and class suspensions. The General Santos City government reported over 30,000 damaged homes and more than 120 unsafe buildings. Satellite images from the Philippine Space Agency showed the extent of the damage to structures and coastal areas.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual updates on the earthquake's impact, including infrastructure damage and government responses, without showing clear ideological bias. It reports on official data and does not frame the event with political implications.
Official sources cited
- government General Santos City Government
- government Philippine Space Agency
RapplerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 898 days ago The week in photos: June 6-12, 2026On June 8, public schools in the Philippines began the new academic year, but this was soon interrupted by a powerful earthquake in Mindanao, which caused significant casualties and damage. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), at least 46 people died, with Davao Region and Soccskargen being the most affected areas. Over 100,000 families were impacted, with thousands remaining in evacuation centers. The Department of Education reported extensive damage to schools, requiring substantial funding for repairs. Additionally, Ateneo de Manila University (
Bias read (Center): The article reports on natural disasters and their impact on infrastructure and education without apparent ideological framing. It provides factual updates on casualty numbers, damage assessments, and institutional responses.
Official sources cited
- government National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)
- government Department of Education
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8912 days ago Marcos to visit Mindanao earthquake victimsPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will visit areas affected by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao, according to Palace press officer Claire Castro. The exact date and details of the visit have not been disclosed. The president has directed the prioritization of hospital inspections and patient safety, instructing the Department of Health and the Department of Public Works and Highways to conduct assessments. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has been tasked with ensuring a stable electricity supply in hospitals.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on the president's planned visit and directives regarding disaster response without overtly favoring any political perspective. It focuses on factual information about the government's actions and does not include biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omissions that would imply
Official sources cited
- government Palace press officer Claire Castro
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8912 days ago DPWH surveys damage, to repair infrastructure after deadly Mindanao quakeThe Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is assessing and repairing infrastructure in Mindanao following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Sarangani, with Secretary Vince Dizon prioritizing roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools and estimating initial damage at around P1 billion. He inspected affected areas including General Santos City, Sarangani, and Davao City, and urged donors to use verified NGO channels. The NDRRMC reported 37 deaths and 479 injuries as of Tuesday.
Bias read (Center): The report is a straightforward account of government disaster-response activities, attributing claims to named officials and the NDRRMC without loaded language or partisan framing.
Official sources cited
- government Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8912 days ago Man from Digos City dies after powerful Mindanao earthquakeA 58-year-old man from Digos City died following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao. The man was found at his residence by local authorities and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Authorities suspect the cause of death could be a stroke or electrocution due to a live wire found in the home. Local officials have activated disaster response teams and suspended classes and government operations as part of their preparedness measures.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a natural disaster with no overt political framing, emphasis, or ideological slant. It focuses on factual details such as the casualty, the cause of death, and the response efforts without taking a stance or using biased language.
Official sources cited
- government Lt. Col. Norman Yparaguirre, Digos City police chief
- government Sinawilan Barangay Captain Bobby Palmero
- government Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas
RapplerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 845 days ago How Soccsksargen schools will conduct classes in earthquake aftermathA week after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off Sarangani, many affected schools in Mindanao have begun returning to normal operations. The Department of Education (DepEd) reported that 5,590 schools had resumed classes as of June 11, with the remaining 3,500 schools, particularly in Soccsksargen and the Davao Region, still having suspended classes. By June 15, most areas in Soccsksargen had lifted class suspensions, though General Santos City, Sarangani, and parts of South Cotabato remained under suspension. The resumption of in-person classes followed inspections of school infrastructure.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual updates on the status of schools following an earthquake, citing official sources such as the Department of Education. It does not present any overtly biased language, framing, or emphasis that would indicate a political lean. The content focuses on logistical updates,恢复
Official sources cited
- government Department of Education (DepEd)
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 82Objective 7210 days ago Mindanao quake exposes schools’ infrastructure risk — analystA magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao caused damage to 8,642 schools, disrupting education for over 4.9 million students and 156,282 school staff. Data scientist Dr. Alicor Panao highlighted the systemic infrastructure risks affecting education, citing the Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the impact of the earthquake on schools and cites expert analysis without overtly favoring any political stance. The focus is on infrastructure vulnerabilities rather than political blame or ideological framing.
Official sources cited
- government Department of Education (DepEd)
- organisation Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index
Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenter2 days ago Solar power brings water, electricity to quake-hit areasResidents in Glan, Sarangani, have regained access to water and limited electricity a week after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao, due to the installation of a 6-kilowatt solar-powered system. The system pumps 10,000 liters of water daily for nearly 4,000 residents of Barangay San Vicente. The earthquake disrupted water distribution lines, leaving communities without running water. Remegio Timonio, director of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), stated that the solar system was installed to address the lack of electricity and safe drinking water.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on the deployment of solar power to provide essential services following an earthquake. It presents factual information about the situation in affected communities and the role of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda). There is no evident ideological sl
Official sources cited
- government Remegio Timonio