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Rescuers from the 1002nd Infantry “Bagwis” Brigade of the Philippine Army carry an injured resident of Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental to be airlifted aboard a Philippine Air Force Black Hawk helicopter on June 9, 2026. (Courtesy: 1002nd Infantry “Bagwis” Brigade)
Foreign military partners have offered assistance as search and rescue operations continue after a powerful magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao Monday morning, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.
Brawner said the United States, Japan, and Indonesia military counterparts have reached out and expressed readiness to provide support as the government continues to assess the situation on the ground.
“Many of our counterparts have called and offered assistance,” the military chief told defense reporters on the sidelines of a partnership signing event at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
“They said whatever we need, they are ready to provide help. Right now, we’re doing the evaluation under the supervision of the OCD [Office of Civil Defense],” he added.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), for its part, called on dioceses nationwide to hold special prayers and raise emergency funds for communities hit by the powerful earthquake.
CBCP president Gilbert Garcera urged parishes and religious communities to offer special Mass intentions for victims and responders, as well as to dedicate Sunday liturgies to those affected by the disaster.
He also encouraged bishops to authorize a second collection during June 14 Masses to raise funds for relief and rehabilitation, with proceeds to be coursed through diocesan social action centers and Caritas Philippines.
“We grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured, and stand in spiritual communion with all those who have been displaced from their homes and livelihoods,” Garcera said.
“As one family in Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Their pain is our pain; their loss is our loss,” he added.
Hours after the powerful temblor, the international community rallied behind the Philippines, pouring in messages of sympathy and offers of assistance as the death toll climbed to 41 yesterday.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with Philippine authorities and stand ready to support Philippine-led response efforts,” the US Embassy said.
Key allies and global partners, including Japan, France, China, Canada, Australia, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the European Union also expressed solidarity with the Filipino people as recovery efforts began.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi extended her deepest condolences, affirming Tokyo’s readiness to dispatch aid.
“Japan stands ready to provide all possible assistance that the Philippines may need, based on local needs,” she said.
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of condolences to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. over the victims of the powerful earthquake, extending his sympathies to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured.
German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke also assured the Philippines of his country’s continued support throughout the disaster response phase.
“As recovery efforts continue, Germany stands in solidarity with the Philippines during this difficult time.”
The United Nations in the Philippines likewise conveyed its solidarity with the victims and their families.
“We mourn the loss of lives and the suffering endured by families and communities due to widespread damage to homes and infrastructure, and we stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time,” the UN body said.
The UN also said it would assess the impact of the earthquake and work closely with the government and partner agencies, expressing readiness to support response and recovery initiatives.
“In moments of crisis, unity and compassion are our greatest strengths. The United Nations reaffirms its commitment to help build back stronger, safer, and even more resilient communities,” it added.
— Rex Espiritu, Vito Barcelo, Katrina Manubay & Maricel Cruz
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Credit belongs to: www.manilastandard.net
