ILOILO CITY — Disaster management officials are calling on all Ilonggos to participate in the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on June 18, 2026, warning that Panay Island is vulnerable to major earthquakes. The drill will test emergency response and teach residents how to protect themselves. The call comes after the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on June 8.
Provincial DRRM Office chief Cornelio Salinas stressed that the drill builds muscle memory. "The NSED is for the entire community to come up with muscle memory on what to do in case of earthquakes," he said. The exercise ensures residents know what to do before, during, and after a quake to minimize injuries and casualties.
Two Major Faults Threaten Panay
Panay Island faces significant seismic risks from two active structures. The West Panay Fault is a 90‑kilometer fracture running through populated Iloilo municipalities including San Joaquin, Miag‑ao, Leon, Alimodian, Janiuay, and Lambunao. This fault caused the magnitude 7.8 "Lady Caycay" earthquake in January 1948, which killed at least 21 people and destroyed 55 churches.
The Negros Trench, an offshore subduction zone west of Panay, is capable of generating earthquakes up to magnitude 8.2. PHIVOLCS has warned that coastal communities face tsunami risks, with waves potentially reaching three stories high and striking within 15 minutes. OCD Regional Director Raul Fernandez underscored the danger. "Hindi ligtas ang Western Visayas sa malalakas na lindol," he said.
Hospital to Host Full-Scale Drill
The Office of Civil Defense Region 6 has selected the Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao as the site for this quarter's major earthquake drill. A ceremonial launch begins at 8:00 a.m., while a full-scale exercise will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. The evening drill will include sirens, evacuation simulations, and coordinated emergency operations.
Mayor Raisa Treñas emphasized her administration's commitment to preparedness. "While we cannot prevent earthquakes, we can prepare for them," she said. The CDRRMO has pre‑positioned rescue assets, including concrete cutters and hydraulic lifting gear, and assigned response teams from the Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Red Cross to designated zones across the city.
What Every Resident Should Do
Authorities urge residents to practice the life‑saving "Duck, Cover, and Hold" procedure during the drill. They also recommend preparing a go‑bag with essential supplies, identifying safe evacuation routes, and staying calm during a quake by moving away from glass and heavy objects. Coastal residents should immediately seek higher ground if they feel strong shaking or observe a sudden drop in sea level.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. has set a target of zero casualties. Salinas urged local officials to inspect all buildings for structural capacity and enforce the National Building Code. The June 18 drill offers every Ilonggo a chance to learn skills that could save lives when the next major earthquake strikes.
