By PR | 08:03 PM June 09, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — The provincial government of Bohol has mobilized search and rescue teams and approved financial assistance for areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the
Soccsksargen Region, as part of its continuing support for disaster response efforts in Mindanao.
The decision was made during a special emergency meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Monday, June 8 at the Governor’s Office in the New Provincial Capitol.
The meeting was presided over by Vice Governor Nick Besas under the directive of Governor Aris Aumentado.
Provincial officials, representatives of national government agencies, and humanitarian organizations gathered to assess the situation and determine Bohol’s immediate response to the disaster.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Dr. Anthony Damalerio said Bohol would deploy two search, rescue, and retrieval (SRR) teams to assist in the affected areas.
One team, composed of five rescue personnel and a driver, will be assigned to Sarangani Province, while another team with the same composition will be deployed to General Santos City. Both teams are scheduled to leave Bohol on June 9.
Aumentado also ordered the expansion of the province’s rescue deployment to reach more communities affected by the earthquake.
“We will expand the deployment of our PDRRMO Search, Rescue, and Retrieval teams to Mindanao so that we can help more areas affected by the earthquake,” Aumentado said.
During the meeting, Francis Nolan presented the latest situation report, which showed that 218 aftershocks had been recorded since the main quake, including a magnitude 6.7 tremor. He also reported that a minor tsunami was observed along parts of the Sarangani coastline shortly after the earthquake.
Although no deaths had been reported as of the meeting, officials noted significant damage to infrastructure and buildings, particularly in General Santos City, where loose ground conditions contributed to structural impacts.
To augment relief and recovery efforts, the council recommended the release of financial assistance from the province’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.
Provincial Budget and Management Officer Peter Ross Retutal presented a proposed aid package totaling P5 million, including P2 million for General Santos City, P1.5 million for Sarangani Province, and P1.5 million for South Cotabato.
The Provincial Health Office was also directed to organize a medical team that could be deployed if needed in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, Provincial Youth Development Office head Metodio Maraguinot Jr. reported that all 13 Boholano athletes and two coaches participating in the National Weightlifting Competition in General Santos City were safe.
Maraguinot said the delegation is currently staying at GenSan Foundation College and has sufficient financial support should the national ranking competition continue. However, he said the athletes and coaches have been advised to await official guidance from the Philippine Sports Commission regarding the event.
In addition to rescue operations and financial aid, the Provincial Government of Bohol is set to launch a relief drive to gather donations and other forms of assistance for communities affected by the earthquake.
The meeting was attended by Board Members Jamie Aumentado-Villamor and Dionisio Joseph Balite, Provincial Legal Officer Handel Lagunay, Chief of Staff Filipina Asoy-Piollo, Dr. Damalerio, Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development head Carmelita Tecson, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy, and Retutal, along with representatives from various government agencies, civic groups, and humanitarian organizations.
The council concluded the meeting with a commitment to ensure the timely deployment of personnel, resources, and assistance as Bohol joins ongoing efforts to support earthquake-affected communities in Mindanao.
