Catholic leaders expressed solidarity Monday with communities devastated by a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck southern Philippines.
The tectonic tremor hit at 7:37 a.m. off Sarangani on June 8, according to the Phivolcs, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 100 others across different provinces in Mindanao.
The quake knocked out electricity in many areas while destroying houses, infrastructure, roads and some churches.
Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila expressed deep solidarity with victims in the region, offering prayers and assurance of continued Church support as communities begin recovery efforts.
“With deep sorrow, I join our brothers and sisters in General Santos City and the surrounding communities who have been affected by the recent earthquake,” he said in a message aired over Radio Veritas.
Advincula urged the faithful and people of goodwill to extend assistance to families struggling with basic needs in the aftermath of the disaster, emphasizing shared responsibility in times of crisis.
“In these difficult moments, may we draw strength from our faith and from the solidarity of one another,” he said. “I also encourage all people of goodwill to extend whatever assistance they can to those in need.”
The cardinal also prayed for the safety of displaced families and asked for divine guidance for rescuers and local authorities conducting ongoing relief and retrieval operations.
Archbishop Alberto Uy of Cebu likewise called on the faithful to join in prayer for those affected by the tremor, urging spiritual support alongside humanitarian response.
“Let us keep all the victims, their families, and rescue workers in our prayers,” he said.
In the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan, Bishop Leo Dalmao directed parishes to hold a second collection during Masses on Sunday, June 14, with proceeds to be channeled through Caritas Philippines for relief assistance.
“The prelature joins the nation in prayer for the victims, the injured citizens, displaced families, and those people in the frontline,” Dalmao said.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States, said it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local partners to assess humanitarian needs in affected areas.
It added that it is working with local responders to better understand the impact on communities, while urging continued prayer for those affected as recovery efforts intensify.