THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) quickly activated emergency protocols across Mindanao ports on Monday, June 8, following a powerful magnitude 7.8 offshore earthquake and a subsequent tsunami warning.
Immediately after the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issued its first tsunami advisory, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago ordered regional offices to suspend nonessential activities and coordinate with disaster management agencies. Phivolcs warned that tsunami waves exceeding one meter could impact several coastal provinces, including Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, and the Sulu Archipelago.
PPA officials attributed the rapid deployment of safety measures to regular training exercises, including the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill that began in March.
Initial assessments from the Port Management Office in Soccsksargen revealed minor structural issues, such as wall cracks caused by the intense shaking. Inspection teams were also dispatched to evaluate the Port of Malalag.
Meanwhile, initial checks at the ports of Sasa, Mati, and Babak showed no damage to infrastructure.
The regional response follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who urged residents in vulnerable areas to prioritize their safety and evacuate immediately.
“To our kababayans in the affected provinces, please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now,” Marcos said. “Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind.”
Santiago reiterated that the agency’s primary focus is safeguarding lives and maintaining vital maritime infrastructure. He noted that the PPA is collaborating with the Philippine Coast Guard and local government units, adding that ready-to-eat food packs stationed at ports nationwide are available to support relief operations.
