The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao on June 8 has climbed to 61, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

OCD Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said authorities are still validating the identities of the victims.

“As of 6:00 this morning, the reported death toll is 61. Validation is still ongoing,” Alejandro said.

The official added that the number of missing persons has decreased to 33 from the previously reported 40, while the number of injured individuals has reached 1,221.

Alejandro explained that the injury count includes individuals who sought medical consultation for dizziness, trauma, and other earthquake-related effects.

In Region 12 alone, 532 injuries have been recorded, with the majority involving students who experienced dizziness and trauma following the powerful tremor.

He said the primary causes of death were earthquake-induced landslides and falling debris.

Most fatalities caused by falling debris were reported in , while those who died due to landslides were reported in and Search and rescue operations continue in the affected areas, particularly in Sarangani and Jose Abad Santos, as authorities continue efforts to locate individuals who remain unaccounted for following the powerful earthquake.