Southeastern mindanao: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday issued a temporary suspension of all maritime activities and placed its units on heightened alert in the southeastern coasts of Mindanao in response to the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a radio interview with Radyo Pilipinas, PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab confirmed that a Notice to All Mariners (NOTAM) has been issued, temporarily suspending all ships and watercraft, regardless of tonnage, in the areas of Sarangani and Davao Occidental, particularly in Balangonan, Jose Abad Santos, and General Santos City. Cayabyab emphasized the importance of avoiding any water activities due to the perceived risks following the earthquake.

The PCG is actively coordinating with the Office of Civil Defense and local government units to assist those affected by the earthquake. Cayabyab noted that all operating units of the PCG are on heightened alert status, especially in the earthquake-affected areas. The Incident Command System has been activated to manage the response effectively.

Cayabyab further stated that resources, including deployable response groups (DRGs), nurses, medics, and K9 search and rescue units, are on standby to provide assistance as needed. Despite the magnitude of the earthquake, PCG units have reported no tsunami incidents or significant sea movements so far.

PCG is conducting ongoing damage assessments in collaboration with other agencies, particularly focusing on port facilities. At around 7:30 a.m., emergency responders from the PCG District Southeastern Mindanao were dispatched to Santa Cruz National High School in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur, following reports of students sustaining minor injuries and losing consciousness.

Earlier, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology advised residents in the earthquake-hit areas to be prepared for aftershocks, move to safer grounds, and avoid damaged buildings.