A powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake that rocked parts of Mindanao on Monday, June 8, 2026, triggered an immediate military response, with the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division deploying its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) forces across the region to support affected communities, conduct search and rescue operations, and coordinate with civilian disaster management bodies.
Headquartered in Mawab, Davao de Oro, the 10th Infantry Division is the Philippine Army’s primary formation for military operations across a large portion of Mindanao. Following the seismic event, the division wasted no time placing all its units on heightened alert and mobilizing specialized response assets to begin addressing the humanitarian needs generated by the disaster.
Battalions, Brigades, and Response Units Deployed
According to a statement issued by Major Ruben L. Gadut (INF) PA, Officer-in-Charge and Chief of the Division Public Affairs Office of the 10th Infantry Division, the following military units were activated and deployed in response to the earthquake:
- 27th Infantry Battalion
- 28th Infantry Battalion
- Task Force GENSAN (TF GENSAN)
- 1002nd Infantry Brigade
- 10th Emergency Response Company
Major Gadut’s statement confirmed that these units were directed to carry out a range of disaster response activities, including search and rescue operations, route-clearing missions, damage assessments, and broader humanitarian assistance work in localities impacted by the quake.
The simultaneous deployment of two infantry battalions, a brigade-level task force, a dedicated emergency response company, and Task Force GENSAN reflects the considerable scale of the military’s commitment to the June 8 earthquake response.
Troops on the Ground: Search, Rescue, and Route Clearing Underway
As of June 8, 2026, soldiers from the activated units are already conducting active field operations in affected areas. Search and rescue teams have been dispatched to communities identified as among the most severely impacted by the seismic event, working to locate and assist individuals who may have been trapped or injured.
Route-clearing operations are simultaneously being undertaken to restore road access to communities that may have been cut off due to landslides, debris, or structural damage caused by the earthquake. Restoration of access routes is a critical early step in enabling the flow of relief goods and medical assistance to isolated areas.
Damage assessment teams have also been deployed to evaluate the extent of structural and infrastructural damage across affected localities. According to the division’s public affairs office, findings from these assessments are being coordinated with local government units and partner agencies to help prioritize the allocation of resources and direct relief efforts where they are most urgently needed.
Division Commander Confirms Operational Deployment
Major General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, confirmed in an official statement that the division’s forces are actively engaged in disaster response operations on the ground.
“Our troops, particularly those under Task Force GENSAN and the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, are already on the ground conducting disaster response and rescue operations in support of affected communities. In close coordination with the Office of Civil Defense, local government units, and partner agencies, we remain committed to helping ensure the safety and welfare of our fellow Mindanaoans during this challenging time,” Major General Luzon said.
Major General Luzon’s remarks underscore the division’s posture of immediate operational readiness in the wake of the earthquake, with civilian protection and access restoration identified as top priorities.
Whole-of-Government Response Framework Activated
The military’s response is operating within a broader whole-of-government framework, consistent with established inter-agency disaster response protocols in the Philippines. The 10th Infantry Division is serving as a key pillar of that response alongside civilian agencies and local authorities.
The Office of Civil Defense, which functions under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), is one of the central coordinating bodies in the ongoing response effort, according to the division’s statement. Local government units in affected areas are likewise active participants, helping direct military and civilian teams toward the communities in greatest need.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) have also mobilized personnel to support rescue efforts, maintain public order, and contribute to the overall coordination of relief and recovery operations in Mindanao.
HADR Capabilities of the 10th Infantry Division
The 10th Infantry (Agila) Division has a well-established record of deploying its HADR assets during major natural disasters in Mindanao, including previous earthquake events, typhoons, and flooding incidents affecting communities throughout the island group. Its HADR units are trained and equipped for rapid deployment in disaster scenarios, allowing them to integrate efficiently with civilian disaster response networks.
Mindanao sits within one of the most seismically active regions of the Philippines, lying along several significant fault lines and within the Pacific Ring of Fire. The island group has historically experienced earthquakes of varying magnitudes, making the pre-positioning of both military and civilian response capabilities a critical component of regional disaster preparedness.
The activation of the 10th Emergency Response Company alongside two infantry battalions, Task Force GENSAN, and the 1002nd Infantry Brigade illustrates the operational depth that the division is bringing to bear in addressing the humanitarian needs created by the June 8 earthquake.
Monitoring Continues as Response Effort Progresses
In its June 8, 2026 statement, the 10th Infantry Division indicated that it is continuing to closely monitor the developing situation and remains prepared to surge additional resources and personnel as ground conditions evolve and new needs are identified.
The division’s Public Affairs Office, along with relevant government agencies, is expected to issue further updates on the scope of damage, the number of affected communities, and the status of rescue and relief operations as the response effort continues to unfold.
According to the division’s official communications, residents in affected areas are encouraged to follow the guidance of local government officials and authorized disaster management authorities, and to rely on official channels for accurate and timely information regarding evacuation procedures, relief distribution, and emergency services.
The 10th Infantry Division has called on the public to remain calm and to cooperate fully with military and civilian response teams operating in the field, as all concerned agencies work toward restoring normalcy and ensuring the safety and well-being of every community impacted by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, Philippine Army
Source: Originally reported by the 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office via wire reports
