A powerful earthquake in southern Philippines kills 37, injures hundreds, displaces thousands, prompting nationwide Church-led relief efforts.
Newsroom (12/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) A powerful earthquake that struck the southern Philippine province of Sarangani and other parts of Mindanao has left at least 37 people dead, four missing, and more than 450 injured, according to the latest figures from authorities. The disaster has triggered widespread destruction, mass displacement, and urgent humanitarian needs, prompting a sweeping appeal for solidarity and assistance from the Catholic Church and civil society.
The earthquake, which hit early yesterday morning, damaged infrastructure across multiple municipalities, destroyed homes, and disrupted essential services. Many areas remain without power, complicating rescue and recovery operations and adding to the hardship faced by affected communities.
Church Calls for Nationwide Response
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has taken a leading role in mobilizing national support. In a pastoral letter released today, Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, CBCP president, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and urged collective action.
“We grieve with the families who lost loved ones, pray for the speedy recovery of those injured, and are in spiritual communion with all those displaced from their homes and livelihoods,” Garcera wrote. He also emphasized prayers for rescue workers, medical personnel, and volunteers continuing their work on the ground.
To support relief efforts, the CBCP has announced a special collection to be held during Masses on Sunday, June 14. Funds raised will be channeled through diocesan social action centers and Caritas Philippines, the Church’s primary humanitarian agency in the country.
Garcera appealed to all sectors of society to contribute. “We ask for contributions from the entire population to finance relief and rehabilitation efforts,” he said, highlighting the need for sustained support beyond immediate emergency response.
Widespread Damage and Urgent Needs
Local reports paint a stark picture of devastation. Entire communities have seen homes reduced to rubble, and families are now in urgent need of food, clean water, clothing, and temporary shelter. More than a thousand people have been evacuated in affected areas.
Jennibeth Dapar, a resident of Sarangani, described the impact as overwhelming. “Many municipalities suffered severe damage to their infrastructure, starting with homes,” she said. “Every little thing matters right now. Let’s unite for Sarangani.”
The Diocese of Marbel, covering one of the hardest-hit regions, confirmed the ongoing crisis. Fr. Jerome Millan, its Director of Social Action, reported significant structural damage and continued power outages. “There is still no electricity. Many homes and buildings have been damaged,” he said, underscoring the scale of disruption.
Religious Groups Mobilize Aid and Prayers
Beyond the CBCP, multiple Catholic organizations have issued calls for prayer and solidarity. The Conference of Major Superiors of the Philippines (CMSP) urged unity in responding to the disaster, emphasizing compassion and collective responsibility.
“In this difficult time, let us join together in prayer for the safety, protection, and healing of all those affected,” the CMSP said in a statement. The group has also launched a donation drive to provide essential supplies such as food, water, medicine, and shelter materials.
Similarly, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) and Church People Workers Solidarity (CWS) have called for coordinated efforts between Church institutions and the broader public to ensure timely assistance reaches those in need.
Regional Impact Extends to Indonesia
The earthquake’s effects were also felt beyond Philippine borders. In Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province, significant damage has been reported, particularly in the Talaud and Sangihe island regencies.
Local authorities confirmed that at least 45 homes were heavily damaged, and approximately 1,160 residents were forced to evacuate. The affected islands, which require one to two days of travel by boat, face additional challenges due to their geographic isolation.
Damage extended to public infrastructure in Sangihe, including a mosque, two churches, a school, and an official residence. Additional facilities impacted include a hospital unit in Mala Village and a warehouse at a port in Essang District, according to regional disaster management officials.
A Call for Unity Amid Crisis
As rescue operations continue and the full extent of the damage is assessed, Church leaders and humanitarian organizations stress that long-term recovery will require sustained collaboration and generosity.
The appeals for prayer, solidarity, and financial assistance reflect both the scale of the disaster and the urgency of the response needed. With communities still reeling from loss and displacement, the coming days will be critical in determining how effectively relief efforts can meet the growing needs.
For many survivors, hope now rests on the ability of the wider community—locally and internationally—to respond with compassion and action.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Asianews.it
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