General santos city: Manila Electric Company (Meralco), through its charitable arm, One Meralco Foundation (OMF), has initiated relief efforts for communities impacted by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Southern Mindanao. The company announced that OMF has started distributing essential supplies such as food packs, bottled water, drinking water, and solar lanterns to residents and institutions in General Santos City, Sarangani, and surrounding areas.

According to Philippines News Agency, Meralco and OMF are collaborating with local partners to ensure that relief reaches hospitals, evacuation centers, and communities in urgent need. Initial beneficiaries include hospitals and health facilities such as St. Elizabeth Hospital and Socsargen County Hospital, which have requested drinking water and other necessary supplies.

Additional relief is being organized for coastal communities, notably in Glan, Sarangani. Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie Aperocho expressed the company's solidarity with the affected regions, stating, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Southern Mindanao, especially the families, communities, health workers, emergency responders, and utility personnel affected by this earthquake." He emphasized the importance of community spirit and pledged continued support for recovery efforts.

In addition to relief supplies, Meralco has extended an offer of power restoration support to South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOCOTECO II), which serves General Santos City and parts of Sarangani and South Cotabato. Aperocho noted that Meralco is ready to deploy technical personnel, line crews, and equipment to assist in inspection, repair, and restoration activities.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has directed police commanders to focus on supporting isolated communities and restoring normalcy in urban areas. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. praised the immediate response of uniformed personnel, who assisted injured victims and secured affected areas. He acknowledged their sacrifices and commitment to duty during the crisis.

Nartatez assured that police forces remain engaged in response and rehabilitation efforts, with additional personnel and resources on standby. The Office of Civil Defense is currently verifying reports of over 40 fatalities and more than 400 injuries due to the earthquake.