UPDATE. A regional trial court in Manla rejected on June 2 students’ petition for a temporary environmental restraining order against San Miguel Corporation’s tree-cutting in Manila. 

Presiding Judge Rosalyn Mislos-Loja said complainants were not able to show that a committee or office (created by the Director of Public Parks and Wildlife under RA 3571) did not issue tree-cutting permit. Complainants asserted that San Miguel’s tree-cutting violates RA 3571. 

In response, the students filed an amended complaint which includes the DENR as a party on Friday, June 5.

Here's my story last June 1: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/metro-manila/students-seek-temporary-environment-protection-order-vs-san-miguel-tree-cutting/

In Taal, Batangas, a community of women works together to keep a centuries-old weaving tradition alive. Christian Patulot/Batangas Mover

In Taal, Batangas, a community of women works together to keep a centuries-old weaving tradition alive. Christian Patulot | Mover

A magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani province at 7:37 am on Monday, June 8, rocking many parts of Mindanao and triggering a tsunami warning.

Phivolcs said damage and aftershocks are expected. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/sarangani-earthquake-tsunami-warning-june-8-2026/

Marcos: National gov't coordinating Mindanao quake response; classes in affected areas suspended

In a statement, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says he has directed "all relevant government agencies to act immediately" following a strong earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani, effecting a tsunami warning across several coastal provinces in Mindanao.

"The Office of Civil Defense and the NDRRMC are now coordinating disaster response and monitoring across all affected areas. The DSWD has been directed to pre-position relief goods and ensure that evacuation centers are ready and operational. The DPWH is on standby to assess damage to roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure, and to clear routes needed for rescue and relief operations."

Marcos also ordered class suspension in all levels for "affected areas in Mindanao until further notice." "The safety of our children comes first. DepEd will coordinate with local government units on this," he added.

Marcos: "To our kababayans in the affected provinces, please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind. The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind. I am in constant communication with our regional offices and local chief executives on the ground."

DOH activates health crisis protocols after 7.8-magnitude quake in Mindanao

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo said that all crisis protocols have been activated in all DOH hospitals and Center of Health Development offices in Mindanao following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the region on Monday, June 8.

The DOH, along with the local government units, is doing rapid assessments of health concerns in their regions, and will tap private hospitals when needed.

The health department is also ready to deploy field hospitals and health emergency response teams based on the assessments.

Domingo added: "Pinapaalalahan po ang lahat sa lugar na pinangyarihan na mag-ingat sa mga aftershocks at dinggin ang umiiral na tsunami warning." @here

Angara: DepEd engineers deployed to quake-affected regions

GENSAN AIRPORT CLOSED

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) temporarily suspends operations at the General Santos Airport following the magnitude 7.8 quake in Sarangani.

CAAP says the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) will be in effect until 3 pm while assessment of facilities and equipment are currently underway to ensure that the airport can reopen safely.

LIMITED OPERATIONS AT GENSAN AIRPORT

The General Santos Airport reopens to accommodate landing and takeoff operations for government, military, and humanitarian flights following the magnitude 7.8 quake that struck Sarangani on Monday, June 8.

A notice to airmen remains in effect until Thursday, June 11, at 6 pm.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) earlier said that 17 flights to and from General Santos have been cancelled so far. CAAP also says it is awaiting the official damage report to the airport's equipment and facilities.

UNICEF extends support to teachers, children affected by Mindanao quake

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines said it is ready to support the government’s emergency response to the 7.8-magnitude Mindanao quake in a statement on Monday, June 8, highlighting that students’ and teachers’ safety is the top priority.

In an X post, UNICEF said: “We have pre-positioned emergency supplies and multipurpose cash, enabling us to rapidly mobilize assistance to help provide timely and efficient access to cash transfer, quality health and nutrition services, water, sanitation, hygiene facilities and interventions, child protection, and to support schools in maintaining learning continuity during emergencies.”

UPDATE. At least 37 dead due to Sarangani quake 

At least 37 individuals died while 479 are injured and four people are missing, according to the latest update from NDRRMC. 

Here’s the breakdown of casualties incurred: 
- Davao Region: 4 deaths, 23 injured 
- Socsksargen: 33 deaths, 456 injured, 4 missing

WHO goes on standby to back DOH in Mindanao quake response

The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed readiness to support, in coordination with the Department of Health, the disaster response in Mindanao following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake on Monday, June 8.

Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, said in a post: “Our WHO Philippines country office, physically located alongside the Department of Health (Philippines) led by Minister Ted Herbosa, is on standby to support the evolving government-led response – as are other United Nations partners and civil society organizations.”

Piukala also extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the earthquake.

UPDATE. Mindanao earthquake death toll rose to 45, according to the latest update from NDRRMC on Wednesday, June 10. 630 individuals are injured while 17 are missing. More than 35,000 families are affected. 6,314 of which are currently in evacuation centers.

Special election to replace Kiko Barzaga's seat set on August 29

The special election in Cavite’s 4th District is scheduled on August 29, 2026, the Commission on Elections announced this week.

This will fill the vacant seat at the House of Representatives after the expulsion of former representative Francisco 'Kiko' Barzaga Jr. on June 2, 2026. Barzaga was expelled for disorderly behavior, conduct unbecoming of a member, and violations of the House's Code of Conduct. 

According to Malacañang, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has sufficient funds to conduct a special election in Cavite. Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Department of Budget and Management informed the Palace that the poll body may use its existing funds for the electoral exercise.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said, meanwhile, said that the poll body would need some P200 million for the holding of the special election

The Comelec also set the certificate of candidacy (CoC) filing period for the special polls on July 15 to 17, 2026 while the election period will start on July 30.

“We intend to be able to proclaim the winning member of the House of Representatives the morning after the election of August 29. So, more or less August 30, early hours, we want to make the proclamation,” Garcia said.

Dasmariñas City is a 1st-class component city in Cavite. It has a population of 703,141 as of the 2020 Census, and a land area of 90.13 square kilometers. It is composed of 75 barangay and has 432,844 registered voters, based on the 2025 elections.