Corals, seagrass beds, fish, and other marine life died in Glan, Sarangani province after being exposed due to coastal uplift caused by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake.
This came after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-XII) reported the incident along the shores of Glan over the weekend.
DENR Region XII said it initially received reports from concerned residents that sea levels in the area remained low and had not returned to normal following the June 8, 2026 earthquake.
“Despite damaged road conditions, the team of CENRO Glan, accompanied by PAMO Protected Area Rangers, began their coastal survey in Glan and found that long stretches of shoreline, coral reefs, and seagrass beds have been exposed, particularly in Pangyan Marine Sanctuary, Brgy. Pangyan, Glan, Sarangani Province,” DENR-XII said in a post.
With marine life exposed, species including fish, eels, clams, and shellfish began to die. Residents expressed concern that the stench from the decaying marine life could pose health risks.
On June 11, an aerial survey conducted by PHIVOLCS and DENR-MGB in Brgy. Pangyan showed that the coastal uplift had raised the seabed by about two meters and extended the shoreline by around 200 meters, exposing coral reefs and seagrass beds.
DENR-XII said it has coordinated with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region XII (MGB-XII) and local government units to conduct a scientific study on the Glan coastal uplift on Tuesday, June 16.
The agency also urged the public to report other incidents of coastal uplift through the SBPS-PAMO hotline numbers: 0909-618-9917 (Smart) or 0995-305-0306 (Globe). — Photo from DENR XII
