08/06/2026
EastMinCom Mobilizes Forces for Immediate Earthquake Response Across Affected Areas
NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) immediately mobilized its forces and activated its disaster response mechanisms following the strong earthquake that affected several areas in Mindanao today, June 8, to support local government units, disaster response agencies, and affected communities.
Under the direction of Lt. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio PA, Commander of EastMinCom, military units across the Joint Operational Area were placed on heightened readiness and directed to conduct assessment, coordination, and response activities in close collaboration with local government units, disaster risk reduction and management councils, and partner agencies.
In General Santos City, Lt. Gen. Orio personally led the conduct of initial Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis activities to determine immediate response requirements and synchronize the efforts of military units with concerned government agencies. Representatives from the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, Task Force General Santos, Office of Civil Defense XII, and the General Santos City Local Government Unit also participated in the coordination activities to ensure a common operational picture and support the timely delivery of assistance to affected communities.
Lt. Gen. Orio also attended a briefing at the General Santos City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, together with officials and representatives from concerned national government agencies, to further assess the situation and align ongoing response efforts. Official reports on casualties, damages, and related incident details shall be provided by the Office of Civil Defense and other concerned disaster response authorities.
Meanwhile, Joint Task Force General Santos immediately deployed response teams to conduct initial assessments and provide support to affected communities within its area of responsibility. Additional troops and assets from the 6th Infantry Division were also mobilized to augment local response efforts and ensure the availability of manpower, mobility support, and logistical assistance as needed.
Military engineering, transportation, communications, and medical assets were placed on standby and made readily available to support emergency operations. Troops on the ground continue to assist local authorities in monitoring affected communities, conducting area assessments, facilitating coordination, and responding to emerging requirements.
Units under the 10th Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao, and the 52nd Engineer Brigade also remain on heightened operational readiness to provide additional engineering, transportation, communications, medical, and search-and-rescue assistance when required.
“Our troops remain fully committed to supporting our partner agencies and local government units in addressing the effects of this earthquake. EastMinCom will continue to work closely with concerned stakeholders to ensure that appropriate assistance and support are delivered promptly and efficiently to affected communities,” Lt. Gen. Orio said.
EastMinCom assures the public that it will continue to sustain all necessary Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response operations and maintain close coordination with concerned agencies in support of ongoing response and recovery efforts across Eastern Mindanao.
