The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday morning has risen to 19, according to the Office of Civil Defense.
In an afternoon update, OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo said 16 of the fatalities were recorded in the Soccsksargen region, while three others were reported in the Davao Region.
Authorities also reported 134 injured individuals and seven people who remain missing following the powerful earthquake.
The majority of casualties were recorded in Soccsksargen, which includes General Santos City, one of the areas hardest hit by the disaster.
General Santos City was among the locations that sustained significant structural damage, including the collapse of a commercial building housing a Jollibee restaurant that drew widespread attention on social media.
Search, rescue, and damage assessment operations remain ongoing in affected areas as authorities continue to monitor the situation and account for residents impacted by the earthquake.
