MILITARY DEPLOYED, MALAYSIA OFFERS ASSISTANCE
The Philippine military said its disaster response units had been deployed to affected areas.
The quake came early in the morning as schools were reopening in the Philippines after a long break.
A video shared by a local school the moment the quake struck showed a large group of children sitting on the floor swaying rapidly from side to side, some hugging teachers, before fleeing en masse as a makeshift shelter collapsed behind them.
Benjie Ancheta, police chief of Sarangani’s Alabel town, said the quake occurred during a police flag-raising ceremony, causing some people to faint.
“This is the strongest earthquake we’ve experienced,” Ancheta said by phone.
The airport in General Santos was also closed until further notice, officials said.
Monday’s quake triggered evacuation warnings for coastal areas of neighbouring Indonesia and Malaysia, with both nations subsequently lifting their alert.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his government was ready to assist the Philippines.
“I pray for the safety and wellbeing of all those affected, wishing them strength and courage in the difficult days ahead,” Anwar posted on X.