The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) quickly activated port safety measures across affected port areas in Mindanao following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake recorded offshore Sarangani and the subsequent tsunami warning issued by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS).
Immediately after the issuance of Tsunami Information No. 1, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago directed its Port Management Offices (PMOs) in affected areas to implement established emergency protocols, suspend non-essential port activities where necessary, and coordinate closely with concerned government agencies to ensure the safety of passengers, port workers, and surrounding communities.
According to PHIVOLCS, tsunami waves exceeding one meter may affect several coastal provinces, including Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato.
The agency’s rapid response reflects the sustained Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED), which started on March 12, 2026 this year, alongside regular earthquake and tsunami drills, emergency response exercises, contingency planning activities, and coordination mechanisms with local disaster risk reduction offices and maritime stakeholders. These preparedness measures help ensure that port personnel are equipped to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies.
Initial reports from PMO SOCSARGEN indicated minor structural damage in some facilities, including wall cracks and other effects caused by the strong ground shaking, assessment teams are also inspecting the Port of Malalag. Meanwhile, inspections conducted at the Ports of Sasa, Mati, and Babak showed no reported damage to port infrastructure.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier directed all concerned government agencies to act immediately and ensure the safety of communities at risk.
“To our kababayans in the affected provinces, please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind,” President Marcos said.
In support of the President’s directive, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago emphasized that the agency’s preparedness measures are designed to enable a rapid and coordinated response whenever emergencies occur.
“The safety of our workers, passengers, and coastal communities remains our highest priority. The PPA stands ready to work closely with local government units, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other concerned agencies to ensure a swift, coordinated, and effective response,” PPA GM Santiago said.
The PPA continues to closely monitor the situation and remains in constant coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, local government units, disaster management authorities, and other concerned agencies to ensure the safety and security of the country’s port facilities and maritime stakeholders. As part of its commitment to public service, the agency stands ready to support emergency response, relief operations especially with the Ready-to-Eat-Food packs stationed in the ports nationwide.
