Catholic leaders are calling for prayers and support for victims after a deadly 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the Sarangani Province and other parts of Mindanao in the southern Philippines the morning of June 8.
The earthquake has killed at least 39 people, and more than 400 people have been injured, government disaster officials said in a recent update, according to a June 9 report from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference for the Philippines (CBCP) News. Search and rescue operations are underway for four people who are still missing.
Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, president of CBCP, is urging Catholics to pray for the victims and respond with generous support.
“We grieve with the families who have lost loved ones, pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured, and stand in spiritual communion with all those who have been displaced from their homes and livelihoods. We also remember in our prayers the rescue workers, medical personnel, government agencies, and volunteers who continue to labor tirelessly in responding to this tragedy,” Archbishop Garcera said in a statement.
“In moments such as these, we are reminded that the Church is called to be a sign of hope and a witness of charity,” he continued. “As one family in Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Their pain is our pain; their loss is our loss.”
According to a CBCP News report, the earthquake caused widespread power loss and destroyed homes, roads, some churches, and other infrastructure.
Archbishop Garcera requested all dioceses, parishes, religious communities, and Catholic institutions across the Philippines to include a special Prayer for the Faithful during all Sunday June 14 Masses to lift up in prayer the victims, rescue and relief officials, and affected communities for a quick recovery.
He also urged all bishops to authorize a second collection in their dioceses during the upcoming Sunday Mass that will support emergency relief and rehabilitation support.
“May the Lord Jesus, who calmed the storm and strengthened those who were afraid, grant comfort to those who mourn, healing to the injured, protection to those in danger, and courage to all who are extending help,” he concluded. “Through the maternal intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may our people find strength, consolation, and hope amid this calamity.”
Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila also expressed solidarity in a statement, urging all people of goodwill to support the victims and affected communities in any capacity.
“In these difficult moments, may we draw strength from our faith and from the solidarity of one another,” Cardinal Advincula stated.
Archbishop Alberto Uy of Cebu also called for Catholics to remember the victims, families, and rescue personnel in prayer.
Former Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, who was in the region when the earthquake struck, told UCA News that urgent evaluation of local buildings is needed from the Department of Public Works and Highways.
“We have already seen reports of buildings collapsing or sustaining major damage. We must determine which are still safe to occupy and which need to be evacuated or demolished,” he said.
After the earthquake, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a statement saying he has directed all government agencies to respond immediately and that coordination of disaster response and monitoring is underway. He noted that federal departments are also on standby to assess damages and that he has ordered relief supplies. The president also stated that he is “in constant communication” with the regional offices and local officials.
“The national government is moving,” he said, “and we will not leave Mindanao behind.”