Church leaders and aid groups are calling for assistance and prayers for victims after an offshore magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao, southern Philippines, on June 8.
Catholic Church leaders, various religious congregations, and associations have called for prayers and support for all those affected by the powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao, southern Philippines, on June 8 leaving many communities in fear and uncertainty. The offshore earthquake severely impacting General Santos City on Mindanao, the Philippines’ main southern island. The tremor caused casualties and structural damage and triggered tsunami warnings. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos suspended school classes in affected areas of Mindanao and urged people in coastal areas to evacuate immediately. He also assured citizens that the government will provide necessary aid to people in need.
Expressing his solidarity with victims and all those impacted, Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila said: “With deep sorrow, I join our brothers and sisters in General Santos City and the surrounding communities who have been affected by the recent earthquake.” He appealed for help for survivors. “In these difficult moments, may we draw strength from our faith and from the solidarity of one another,” he said. “I also encourage all people of goodwill to extend whatever assistance they can to those in need.”
In addition, Bishop Leo Dalmao of the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan issued a pastoral letter calling for a second collection during Masses on Sunday, June 14. The collection will be sent to Caritas Philippines for relief assistance. The prelature joins the nation in prayer for the victims, the injured citizens, displaced families, and those people on the front line,” the prelate said. Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the international humanitarian agency of the Catholic Church in the United States, is coordinating with its partners to assess humanitarian aid in Mindanao.
