Emergency: M7.8 Earthquake off Mindanao, Philippines – Peace Boat Disaster Relief Launches Initial Assessment and Emergency Aid with Local NGO

Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV), based in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, announces the launch of emergency relief operations in response to the devastating M7.8 earthquake that struck near Mindanao in southern Philippines at approximately 8:38 AM JST on June 8, 2026.

Casualty figures as of June 15, according to the Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), include 65 fatalities, 36 missing, 1,447 injured, and 736,386 affected individuals (176,186 households), with over 57,252 homes damaged. These numbers continue to rise.

PBV is dispatching staff to the region and will conduct on-site assessments and relief activities in close cooperation with trusted local partner organizations.

1. Deployment of Staff and Launch of Emergency Response

Immediately after the earthquake, PBV began coordinating with its local partner, Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc. (BMFI), a non-governmental organization with over 30 years of experience operating primarily in Mindanao.

Reports from the ground indicate severe damage, including the collapse of multiple buildings such as schools and shopping centers, particularly in southern parts of the island. Given the severity of the situation, PBV has decided to launch joint emergency relief operations with BMFI.

Starting June 14, multiple PBV staff members are being dispatched from Japan to conduct further damage assessments and deliver emergency aid tailored to local needs, including food supplies, hygiene kits, evacuation center support, water provision, and psychosocial support.

2. Locally Grounded Support Leveraging Past Experience

The Philippines frequently faces disasters such as typhoons. Since 2013, PBV has conducted relief operations in partnership with various local organizations following typhoon disasters, building strong trust-based relationships.

In recent years, the country has faced repeated disasters, including typhoons in autumn 2024, an earthquake in September 2025, and another typhoon in November 2025. For each of these events, PBV dispatched staff and conducted sustained relief efforts in collaboration with local partners. This experience and network will be fully leveraged to ensure responsive and context-sensitive support for affected communities.

Support activities during the 2024 Philippines typhoon

We kindly ask for your warm support and cooperation for the people enduring these ongoing hardships.

3. Appeal for Donations and Media Inquiries

Guided by the principle that “people support people,” PBV will continue to provide meticulous support to help affected communities restore safe living conditions as quickly as possible.

Donations will be carefully allocated to meet urgent needs on the ground, including emergency relief, livelihood recovery, housing repairs, and community rebuilding. As the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, PBV may adjust its activities according to evolving needs.

We sincerely appeal for your compassionate support in recovery and reconstruction efforts amid increasingly severe disasters.

◆ 2026 Mindanao, Philippines Earthquake Emergency Relief Fund For more information, please visit our website.

* This project is implemented with a grant from the Japan Platform (JPF).

◆ Become a “Disaster Relief Supporter”

We are recruiting monthly donors as “Disaster Relief Supporters” to sustain emergency operations immediately after disasters. Ongoing support enables rapid initial assessments and swift launch of emergency aid. By supporting continuously, Disaster Relief Supporters help PBV assist affected communities from the emergency phase through medium- and long-term recovery. For details, please visit our dedicated website.

Media Inquiries and Interview Requests

Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) welcomes media inquiries and requests for information regarding the emergency response.

- Interviews with deployed field staff (available online or upon return to Japan; topics include on-the-ground conditions and urgent needs)

- Interviews with domestic office staff (can speak on PBV’s past relief efforts in the Philippines and current response plans)

- Provision of photos and video footage (available for media use, showing damage and relief activities)

[For media inquiries and requests]

Please contact our public relations office below, clearly stating your organization name, media outlet, contact person, and requested interview topics.

Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV)

PBV is a public interest incorporated foundation committed to disaster relief and building disaster-resilient societies, guided by the principle that “people support people.” Since its establishment in 2011, PBV has conducted relief operations in 31 countries overseas and 87 regions domestically.

Tokyo Headquarters: 1-29-20, Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0075

Email: members@pbv.or.jp

Tel: 03-3363-7967 (10:00–18:00, closed on weekends and holidays)

Website: https://pbv.jp