Zamboanga city: The city government has ordered the suspension of classes at all levels, including work in both local and national agencies, following a strong earthquake that hit parts of Mindanao earlier Monday. Mayor Khymer Olaso clarified, however, that offices providing essential and frontline services must continue normal, uninterrupted operations to serve the public.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that Intensity 4 was recorded in the city when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake shook several parts of Mindanao around 7:37 a.m. The epicenter of the earthquake is located 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim, Sarangani.

Mayor Olaso has advised authorities to inspect the structural integrity of all buildings-schools, offices, and other structures-and to protect students from aftershocks. Officials from different barangays in the city are tasked with coordinating with school authorities, traffic enforcers, and other officials to ensure the safety of teachers and students on their way home.

"Everyone is advised to stay alert, remain calm, and follow safety protocols issued by the CDRRMO (City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) and national agencies," Olaso said in his advisory. The earthquake occurred as approximately 248,000 students were heading to different schools on Monday for the first day of classes for the 2026-2027 school year.

Meanwhile, the CDRRMO has implemented forced evacuation in coastal barangays, especially on the east coast, due to its proximity to Sarangani, the epicenter of the earthquake. Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, the CDRRMO chief, stated that Phivolcs has issued a Tsunami Warning, strongly advising people in Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato to evacuate immediately to higher ground or move farther inland.