THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) closed the earthquake-damaged Port of General Santos for structural testing, moving shipping operations to the Port of Malalag and prioritizing relief goods nationwide.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago directed the Port Management Offices of Soccsksargen and Davao to route shipping operations through the Port of Malalag in Davao del Sur. The decision follows a strong earthquake in Mindanao that halted operations at the Port of General Santos.
The redirection follows a June 9, 2026 inspection by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Santiago. Officials suspended cargo and passenger traffic at General Santos to allow engineers to inspect the safety of the port’s land and underwater structures.
The Port of Malalag, located 77 kilometers from General Santos City, will handle the diverted shipping traffic. The backup facility features a 165-meter wharf, a 15-m maximum draft, a 21-m RoRo ramp, and a 10,017-square-meter total area. The terminal handles bulk, break-bulk, conventional, and containerized cargo, with pilotage, tugboats, and bunkering services available.
“We want to ensure services continue using the alternative port while the assessment at the Port of General Santos is ongoing,” Santiago said. “It is vital to verify the structural integrity and underwater structures of the affected port to ensure everyone’s safety.”
The PPA also ordered all port offices nationwide to prioritize the berthing, scheduling, and handling of ships carrying relief goods. Priority items include food, water, medicine, rescue equipment, shelter materials, generators, and fuel for the affected areas.
While cargo handling is suspended at the Port of General Santos, the Port Integrated Clearance Office continues to process documents at the port’s covered court to maintain basic shipping transactions.
