The Matanao National High School in Davao del Sur clarified that one of its buildings has been unoccupied for years after images of its collapse circulated online after the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake in the region.
Photos of the structure’s condition appeared on social media as Filipinos shared images of the tremor that struck on the opening day of classes.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the tremor at 7:37 a.m. on Monday, June 8, with its epicenter located 32 kilometers south, four degrees west of Maasim, Sarangani.
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Areas that suffered “destructive” tremor was General Santos City, while those in Palimbang and Sen. Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat felt a “very strong” quake, according to state seismologists.
The earthquake also triggered tsunami warnings and emergency response operations in parts of Mindanao, which has later been lifted.
READ: Phivolcs lifts tsunami alert after magnitude 7.8 earthquake
The tremor caused several buildings and establishments to collapse, including one at Matanao National High School.
“Matanao National High School in Davao del Sur heavily damaged after magnitude 7.8 earthquake — on the first day of classes,” a social media user wrote.
Matanao National High School in Davao del Sur heavily damaged after magnitude 7.8 earthquake — on the first day of classes
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u/Cultural-Ball4700 in
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It led some to believe that the building housed students and teachers during the incident.
The school clarified that it was an “abandoned building” that had been unoccupied for years.
“During the incident, one abandoned building within the school premises collapsed. This structure had been severely affected by the strong earthquakes in 2019 and had since been declared unsafe for occupancy,” it said in a statement.
On Dec. 15, 2019, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Matanao, killing nine people.
“The area had been placed under restriction and fenced off, and the building had already been identified for demolition,” the school added, referring to the structure.
It further said that “no major injuries” from the community were recorded.
“A few students experienced hyperventilation and stress-related reactions following the earthquake. Immediate assistance and first aid were provided by emergency responders and school personnel, and the affected individuals were promptly attended to,” the school said.
It assured the public that all of its buildings and facilities “will undergo inspection and assessment by the appropriate local engineering authorities to ensure structural safety before any resumption of school operations.”
The school said it has suspended classes and work “until further notice” following the earthquake.
It also encouraged the public to stay informed through official channels.
A Threads user also urged other Filipinos to refrain from spreading “fake news” about the building, stating that “no one was inside” it.
“All students, faculty, and parents were safely outside during the incident. Verify first before you share. Facts matter,” the user said.
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Authorities said that the magnitude 7.8 earthquake has left at least 19 people dead and 134 injured. Seven others, meanwhile, are missing.
State seismologists said the movement may be attributed to subduction along the Cotabato Trench.
They added that aftershocks may occur in the epicentral area, persist for several days to weeks, and be felt in nearby provinces.
