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Pia Lee Brago - The Philippine Star
June 10, 2026 | 12:00am
One of the many buildings in General Santos City destroyed by the 7.8 Magnitude earthquake that rocked the area on Monday morning, June 8, 2026.
Philstar.com / John Unson
MANILA, Philippines — The international community yesterday expressed sympathy and solidarity with the Philippines, following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Massim, Sarangani and nearby provinces that left 37 people dead.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her condolences to the families and affected communities in Mindanao.
“I am deeply saddened by reports that the major earthquake that struck off Mindanao in the southern Philippines today has caused damage, including the collapse of buildings,” she said.
The United Nations extended its sympathies to the people of Mindanao and other affected areas.
“We mourn the loss of lives and the suffering endured by families and communities due to widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, and we stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time,” the UN in the Philippines said.
The Canadian embassy conveyed its condolences and pledged support.
“Canada stands ready to coordinate closely with Philippine government agencies, humanitarian partners and the international community to help meet urgent needs,” the embassy in Manila said in a statement.
The US embassy extended its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the earthquake in Mindanao. “We continue to monitor the situation in coordination with Philippine authorities and stand ready to support Philippine-led response efforts.”
The embassy of the Czech Republic said, “We stand in solidarity with all those who are grieving, injured or displaced. Our thoughts are with you as you face the challenges ahead, and we wish strength, safety and a swift path toward recovery.”
“France extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and expresses its full solidarity with the Filipino people and the authorities responding to this disaster,” the embassy said.
The German embassy Manila said it is deeply saddened by the earthquake, extending its sympathies to the victims, their loved ones and all communities affected. “As recovery efforts continue, Germany stands in solidarity with the people of the Philippines during this difficult time,” the embassy said.
The UN World Food Program (WFP) announced the deployment of staff and emergency equipment to help establish a temporary storage facility for relief supplies in affected areas.
The Philippine Red Cross and other partners began mobilizing response teams.
The UN Children’s Fund said it was particularly concerned about the impact on children. Initial reports indicate injuries among some students and damage to school buildings and public facilities.
“The safety of learners and teachers must remain the top priority,” UNICEF said, adding that it had emergency supplies and cash assistance ready for rapid deployment.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed sympathy and condolences to the Philippines.
Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, said WHO is ready to extend support to the country especially to the quake victims and their families.
“Our WHO Philippines country office is on standby to support the evolving government-led response – as are other United Nations partners and civil society organizations.” – Rhodina Villanueva, Evelyn Macairan
