Mindanao earthquake relief drives aid and sparks rice‑distribution controversy

A magnitude‑7.8 quake struck southern Mindanao on 8 June, killing at least 61 people, injuring more than 630 and leaving 33 missing. The tremor affected roughly 433 000 people in over 374 barangays across Regions 9, 11, 12 and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, damaging or destroying thousands of homes.

Lazada Philippines activated its LazadaForGood platform, urging users to donate to partner NGOs such as the Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF Philippines and Habitat for Humanity. CEO Carlos Barrera highlighted the ongoing need for food, clean water, shelter and medical aid.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed rice packs to survivors, but recipients complained the vacuum‑sealed rice was hard and seemingly inedible. DSWD officials explained that the compression is a normal result of the packaging method, which is intended to preserve the grain and does not indicate spoilage.

International and local NGOs, including CARE Philippines, emphasized the urgency of delivering water, food, hygiene kits and psychosocial support, especially in hard‑to‑reach areas and crowded evacuation centres where gender‑based‑violence risks are heightened. More than 3 000 aftershocks have complicated relief operations.