Police forces have been deployed in coastal areas of Sarangani and Davao Occidental following public health concerns after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao, causing coastal uplift and marine life deaths, according to reports verified as of June 16, 2026.
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police, ordered the deployment to ensure security and address health risks from decaying marine life in affected zones. The earthquake, which occurred on [date not specified in verified sources], led to significant geological changes along the coast.
Local authorities are monitoring the situation and advising residents to avoid consuming seafood from affected areas until further notice. The coastal uplift has exposed seabeds and trapped marine organisms, leading to die-offs that pose public health risks.
Efforts are ongoing to assess the full impact and coordinate with environmental and health agencies. No further details on casualties or damage were immediately available from verified sources.
