What began as an ordinary Monday morning quickly turned into a tense and frightening experience for many residents across Northern Mindanao when a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Maasim, Sarangani, at 7:37 a.m. on June 8.
Although the earthquake's epicenter was located 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, the tremor was felt across Northern Mindanao, prompting residents to pause their daily routines, check on loved ones, and seek safety.
In Iligan City, where the earthquake was recorded at Intensity II, residents described feeling a sudden swaying motion that caused alarm despite the relatively weak shaking.
Jamal Nur Jamail, a resident of Celdran Village in Barangay Tubod, said he was resting at home when the floor began to move and household items started rattling.
“Sa unang segundo ay nabigla po ako at nakaramdam ng takot dahil hindi ko agad alam kung gaano kalakas ang lindol,” Jamail said.
He immediately moved away from objects that could fall and made sure his family was safe.
Jamail said the experience highlighted the importance of earthquake preparedness.
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“Ang mensahe ko sa kapwa residente ay manatiling kalmado, sundin ang mga safety protocols, at laging maghanda ng emergency kit at plano para sa pamilya,” he added.
In Cagayan de Oro City, which also recorded Intensity II shaking, some residents were awakened by the tremor.
Mikhail Banocag, a resident of Barangay Carmen, said he and his family rushed outside their home after being startled by the shaking.
“We hurriedly went outside the house to avoid any casualties in case the house collapsed,” he said.
Although their house sustained no damage, Banocag said he spent much of the morning worried about relatives in General Santos City and Sarangani until they confirmed they were safe.
PHIVOLCS data showed that while the earthquake was felt across Northern Mindanao, shaking in the region was significantly weaker than in areas closer to the epicenter.
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The quake was recorded at Intensity II in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City, and Intensity III in Kalilangan, Bukidnon, and Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.
For residents, the experience served as a reminder that even moderate tremors can cause fear and uncertainty, particularly when strong earthquakes strike elsewhere in Mindanao.
In Lanao del Norte, concern heightened after sea water was observed receding in parts of Sultan Naga Dimaporo shortly after the quake.
As a precaution, classes in 16 coastal villages were suspended, and residents moved to higher ground amid fears of a possible tsunami.
Authorities emphasized that residents should immediately follow evacuation advisories and move to safer areas whenever tsunami warnings are issued.
Local leaders, including Iligan City Mayor Frederick Siao and Cagayan de Oro Mayor Rolando Uy, ordered class suspensions and structural inspections of public buildings to ensure public safety.
Officials continue to urge residents to stay informed through official advisories, prepare emergency kits, identify evacuation routes, and remain alert as aftershocks may continue in the days following the earthquake.
With more than 130 aftershocks recorded after the main quake, disaster officials said preparedness and vigilance remain the best protection against future seismic events.
