The reported death toll from the earthquake that struck offshore Sarangani in Mindanao on Monday has increased to 37, according to the Office of Civil Defense on Tuesday.
In an update, a spokesperson said that as of 6 a.m., 33 deaths were reported in Soccsksargen (18 in Sarangani, 12 in General Santos City, and 3 in South Cotabato). Four deaths were reported in the Davao Region.
A spokesperson said most of those who died were hit by falling debris.
A total of 456 persons were injured and four individuals remained missing.
The earthquake has affected 17,689 families or 77,186 individuals across affected areas in Mindanao.
Search, rescue, and retrieval operations remain focused on General Santos City and Sarangani, among the hardest-hit areas, according to a spokesperson.
“In terms of focus, what we are looking at now is General Santos City and then Sarangani, so here in Region 12. So that is where our search, rescue, and retrievals are focused,” he said.
Sarangani
Sarangani is a province in the Philippines, located in the Soccsksargen region of southern Mindanao. Historically, its name is derived from the Maguindanao word “sarangani,” meaning “a place of brave people,” and the area was once part of the Sultanate of Maguindanao. Today, it is known for its diverse indigenous cultures, pristine beaches, and the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, which supports both local livelihoods and marine conservation.
General Santos City
General Santos City, located in the southern Philippines, is a major economic hub known for its thriving tuna industry and as the “Tuna Capital of the Philippines.” Founded in 1939 and named after General Paulino Santos, the city grew rapidly after World War II through agricultural settlements and later became a key fishing port. Today, it is a vibrant urban center that blends modern development with a rich cultural heritage shaped by migrants from across the country.
<h3 class="text-lg font-semibold mb-2 text
Sarangani
Sarangani is a province in the Philippines located in the Davao Region of Mindanao, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, including pristine beaches and diverse marine life. Historically, the area was home to indigenous groups such as the Blaan, Tagakaolo, and T’boli, and it played a role in the Moro resistance during the Spanish colonial period. The province was officially established in 1992, having been carved out of South Cotabato to promote local development and preserve its unique cultural identity.
General Santos City
General Santos City, located in the southern Philippines, is a major economic and industrial hub known for its thriving tuna industry and agricultural exports. Originally a settlement for Christian migrants from Luzon and the Visayas in the early 20th century, it was named after General Paulino Santos, the head of the National Land Settlement Administration. The city grew rapidly after World War II and was officially chartered in 1968, becoming a key center for commerce and trade in the Soccsksargen region.
South Cotabato
South Cotabato is a province in the Philippines known for its diverse cultural heritage and natural attractions, including the scenic Lake Sebu and the annual T’nalak Festival. Historically, the area was settled by various indigenous groups like the T’boli, and later became a melting pot of migrants from other parts of the country. The province was officially established in 1966, after being separated from the larger Cotabato province.
Davao Region
The Davao Region, located in the southeastern part of Mindanao in the Philippines, is known for its rich cultural diversity and natural wonders, including Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak. Historically, the area was originally inhabited by indigenous groups like the Lumad and Moro peoples, and later developed as a major trading hub during the American colonial period. Today, it is a thriving economic center, with Davao City serving as its capital and a key gateway to the region’s eco-tourism and agricultural industries.
Mindanao
Mindanao is the second-largest island in the Philippines, known for its rich cultural diversity and complex history. Historically, it was home to powerful sultanates, such as the Sultanate of Sulu and the Sultanate of Maguindanao, which thrived on trade long before Spanish colonization. Today, it is a vibrant region with a mix of indigenous, Muslim, and Christian communities, though it has also faced periods of conflict and ongoing peace efforts.
General Santos International Airport
General Santos International Airport, located in General Santos City, Philippines, serves as a key gateway to the Soccsksargen region and is known for its role in supporting the local tuna industry. Originally established as a domestic airport, it was upgraded to international status in 2014, with the new terminal building inaugurated in 2018 to accommodate growing passenger traffic. The airport facilitates both domestic flights and limited international charter services, boosting trade and tourism in the area.
Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape
The Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape is a marine conservation area located in the province of Sarangani, Philippines, established in 1996 to protect its rich marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. Historically, the bay has served as a vital fishing ground and trade route for local communities, and its protected status aims to sustain these resources while promoting eco-tourism. The seascape is also recognized for its role in conserving endangered species like sea turtles and dugongs.
Sultanate of Maguindanao
The Sultanate of Maguindanao was a powerful Muslim state that ruled over parts of Mindanao in the southern Philippines from the 16th to the 19th centuries. It was founded by Sharif Kabungsuwan, a Malay-Arab missionary who introduced Islam to the region, and it became a major center for trade and resistance against Spanish colonization. The sultanate’s influence waned in the 1800s due to internal conflicts and Spanish military campaigns, but its legacy remains important in the cultural and political identity of the Moro people.
