Mindanao: The Department of Tourism (DOT) has advised travelers to monitor advisories before proceeding with their travel plans in areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8. The agency emphasized the importance of coordinating with hotels and tour operators regarding cancellations, rebooking options, and operational status.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DOT has reported ground deformation in Barangay Ladol, Alabel, Sarangani, following the earthquake. Initial reports indicate that multiple cottages at Ladol Beach Resort collapsed due to the ground movement. Additionally, a landslide was reported within Mt. Melibengoy in the vicinity of Lake Holon, Municipality of T'boli, South Cotabato.
In response, concerned authorities immediately undertook precautionary measures, including rapid field validation and coordination with relevant agencies to assess risks, ensure safety, and monitor conditions in the affected area. All tourists in the area were safely escorted down the mountain. As part of these emergency measures, Lake Holon and all associated tourist activities within the Municipality of T'boli, Province of South Cotabato, are temporarily closed effective immediately.
Several accommodation establishments in General Santos City also reportedly sustained varying degrees of damage. These include Hotel San Marco, Florotel II Hotel, Jeamco Royal Hotel, Grand Summit Hotel, Sydney Hotel, and Columbus Plaza Hotel.
The DOT has announced that tourism-related activities in the Davao Region have been suspended, postponed, or canceled as part of the precautionary measures and ongoing safety assessment. This includes the Duaw Dabaw: Reyna ng Davao 2026 in Davao City, eco parks, coastal tourism, and water activities in Davao Oriental, and the Masbol Festival in Sarangani, Davao Occidental.
The DOT, through its Regional Offices in Mindanao, is closely monitoring all affected tourism workers, visitors, and businesses. The public is advised to remain vigilant, avoid spreading unverified information, and rely only on official government advisories for guidance.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake rocked Sarangani province at 7:37 am on June 8, coinciding with the official opening of classes in public schools. Several videos online show commercial establishments and school buildings collapsing under the powerful jolt, with intensities ranging from I to VIII across regions 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, BARMM, and Caraga. Based on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council data as of June 9, a total of 37 dead, 478 injured, and four missing persons were reported following the earthquake.
