“Ang kwarta, atong makita, ang gamit, atong mapalit, pero ang kinabuhi, dili mapalit sa kwarta maong mag amping ta ug padayon ta nga mag-ampo. Ang importante buhay tayo. Naa lang ko’y i distribute sa inyo, muadto pa sad ko og Glan karon. Kung unsay akong itabang pa, magsulti lang mo” Go said.
_(Ang pera, kikitain, ang gamit, mabibili, pero ang buhay ay hindi mabibili ng pera kaya mag-ingat tayo at patuloy na manalangin. Ang importante buhay tayo. May ibibigay lang din po ako sainyo bago ako pupunta ng Glan. Kung ano po ang maitutulong ko, magsabi lang po kayo.)_
In a media interview, Go said he deliberately went to Malapatan to be with families who lost relatives, individuals who were injured, and all those affected by the disaster.
“Pumunta po ako dito sa Malapatan, Sarangani (Province) para bumisita sa mga namatayan sa mga nasugatan, sa mga biktima ng lindol. My condolences, my prayers. Magdasal lamang tayo palagi,” he said.
He also encouraged residents to remain steadfast in their faith amid the tragedy.
“Diyos lamang po ang nakakaalam kung ano ang mangyayari. Patuloy po tayong magdasal at magtulungan para makabangon tayo sa pagsubok na ito,” he added.
During his visit, Go personally met with victims and their families, offering comfort and support to those grieving the loss of loved ones. He likewise visited the wake of Rosie Batinoto, Jimmy Batinoto, Terinz Segafu, and Dailyn Mandangin Opong to personally extend his condolences to the bereaved family and assure them of his prayers and support during their time of mourning.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the earthquake occurred at 7:37 a.m. on June 8, with its epicenter located offshore near Maasim, Sarangani Province, a municipality near General Santos City.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Philippines also reported in a Facebook video post, that as of 6:00 a.m. on June 10, the earthquake had claimed 45 lives, left 17 individuals missing, and injured 630 others. Authorities also recorded 1,953 aftershocks ranging from 1.2 to 6.4 magnitude following the main quake.
The Provincial Government of Sarangani has also declared under State of Calamity following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake.
To help address the immediate needs of affected residents, Go distributed grocery packs, snacks, shirts, and financial assistance. He assured victims that he would continue coordinating with concerned government agencies and local officials to ensure that aid and essential services reach those in need. The relief activity was located at Malapatan Evacuation Center.
As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go also reminded residents, especially those who sustained injuries or may be experiencing trauma from the disaster, to seek necessary medical attention and avail themselves of available government assistance programs.
In SOCCSKSARGEN, five Malasakit Centers are located at the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital in General Santos City, South Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Koronadal City and SOCCSKARGEN General Hospital in Surallah, South Cotabato, Cotabato Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City in North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
Following his visit to Malapatan, Go proceeded to Glan, Sarangani Province, where he likewise led relief efforts for residents affected by the earthquake.
He emphasized the importance of unity, compassion, and resilience in overcoming the challenges brought about by the disaster.
“Sa panahon ng sakuna, ang pinakamahalaga ay ang buhay ng tao. Magtulungan po tayo, magdamayan, at sama-sama tayong bumangon. Nandito po ang inyong gobyerno upang tumulong sa abot ng aming makakaya,” Go said.