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World leaders, international celebrities express solidarity with Mindanao earthquake victims

By Cecile Baltasar
Published Jun 09, 2026 1:38 pm
@thalia, @daraxxi, @takaichi_sanae / Instagram; @USAmbPH / X

As Mindanao attempts to recover from the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that shook the region early on Monday, June 8, world leaders and various personalities sent messages of support and pledges of help. 

While all the messages expressed sympathy, several went beyond with promises of assistance for the earthquake victims. 

Sanae Takaichi, prime minister of Japan

Saying she was "deeply saddened" by the news of the major earthquake, Sanae Takaichi, Japanese prime minister, pledged her country's assistance. 

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their lives and to their bereaved families, and my sincere sympathies to all those affected," she wrote on X. 

"Japan stands ready to provide all possible assistance that the Philippines may need, based on local needs," the prime minister added. "Japan always stands with the people of the Philippines."

Lai Ching-te, president of the Republic of China (Taiwan)

Echoing the Japanese prime minister, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te promised Taiwan was all set to send help. 

"Our thoughts are with the people of the Philippines following today’s devastating earthquake," Lai wrote on X.

"As a close neighbor, Taiwan stands ready to provide any assistance needed and we pray for a swift recovery and rebuilding effort," he added. 

Narendra Modi, prime minister of India

Tagging President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in his message posted on X, Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, offered prayers and sent condolences to the bereaved families of the victims. 

"Saddened by the loss of lives and destruction caused by today’s earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured," he wrote.

"India stands in solidarity with the people and the Government of the Philippines," Modi added. 

MaryKay Carlson, US ambassador to the Philippines

Sharing photos of a previous visit to General Santos City, which was 13 km from the quake's epicenter, US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson shared her sadness about the tragedy. 

"Heartbroken to see images of General Santos today. I had the privilege of visiting this vibrant city & its remarkable people in Sept 2024," the ambassador recalled.

"The resilience of GenSan & all of Mindanao is extraordinary. Deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones," Carlson added in a statement posted on X. 

In its official statement shared on social media, the US Embassy in the Philippines declared its readiness to extend help. 

"We continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with Philippine authorities and stand ready to support Philippine-led response efforts," the embassy wrote. 

Anita Anand, minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada

"Canada stands with the Philippines following the devastating earthquake that struck Mindanao and tragically claimed at least 32 lives," wrote Anita Anand, Canadian minister of Foreign Affairs. "Our thoughts are with their families and all those grieving."

Tagging Foreign Affairs Sec. Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, Anand added she had already reached out to her Philippine counterpart "to express Canada's deepest condolences."

Supporting Anand's statement, the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines also condoled with the victims and residents of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and nearby provinces in southern Mindanao. 

"We mourn the loss of lives and we stand with those who are grieving, injured, or displaced," the embassy wrote in a statement shared on social media. 

"Canada stands ready to coordinate closely with Philippine government agencies, humanitarian partners, and the international community to help meet urgent needs," the embassy added. 

Sarah Hulton, OBE, British ambassador to the Philippines

Also on social media, Sarah Hulton, OBE, the British ambassador to the Philippines, sent her sympathies to everyone impacted by the quake. 

"Our thoughts are with those affected by today’s earthquake off Mindanao. We extend our sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones," Hulton wrote. 

Thalia

Mexican actress Thalia, star of the '90s telenovela Marimar, sent her sympathies, as well. 

"Philippines, I’m deeply saddened by the news of the earthquake. Keeping everyone affected in my thoughts and prayers, and sending love, strength, and light during this difficult time," Thalia wrote on X. 

Sandara Park

Korean celebrity Sandara Park, whose ties to the Philippine entertainment industry is well-documented, expressed her love for Mindanao and recalled how the region is particularly special to her. 

"My heart is with everyone affected by the earthquake in Mindanao. Mindanao holds a special place in my heart, and I still remember the love and warmth I received there," Park wrote on X. 

"I’m praying for everyone’s safety, strength, and recovery," she added. 

Tawan Vihokratana

Thai actor and TV host Tawan Vihoktratana, known among his fans as P'Tay, wrote his message of support in straight Filipino. 

"Sa ating mga kaibigang Pilipino, nabalitaan ko ang tungkol sa lindol at nais ko pong ipaabot ang aking taos-pusong suporta at panalangin para sa inyong kaligtasan," he wrote on X. 

"Ingat po kayong lahat," the actor added. 

Miss Grand International organization

Writing on behalf of its organization, Thailand-based beauty pageant Miss Grand International expressed support not just for Filipinos in general, but more specifically, to the responders who have been carrying out rescue efforts since the quake struck. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Philippines during this difficult time, as well as the courageous rescue teams, first responders, and authorities working tirelessly to provide assistance and support to those affected," the organization wrote in a statement shared on X.

"May strength, resilience, and unity guide every community through this tragedy, and may recovery and healing come swiftly to all those impacted," it added. 

The quake was felt in different parts of Mindanao at 7:37 a.m. on June 8, the first day of school for public schools and numerous private schools nationwide. PHIVOLCS-DOST initially traced the epicenter to General Santos City, which had a 7-magnitude quake. In an update an hour later, the agency confirmed the epicenter was located in Maasim, Sarangani, with 7.8 magnitude. 

According to the agency, it was caused by movement in the Cotabato Trench, which also triggered the destructive Moro Gulf earthquake in 1976.

Marcos directed all relevant government agencies to "act immediately" soon after the quake struck, promising he would "not leave Mindanao behind." He ordered the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to coordinate disaster response and monitoring. 

As of the morning of Tuesday, June 9, authorities reported the death toll at 37. The number may still rise as authorities continue their search-and-rescue operations in the coming days.

PHIVOLCS is expecting "thousands of aftershocks" to take place, with the highest magnitude possibly at 6.7.

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TAGS: mindanao Earthquake mindanao earthquake

About the author

Cecile Baltasar

Cecile is a lifestyle writer who also tackles anything else the PhilSTAR L!fe eds throw her way. She began writing professionally in ’99, and is still learning every day. (Today, she learned from her Gen Z kids that being salty has nothing to do with cooking.)