Jollibee, other big firms say no fatalities in General Santos City establishments

MANILA, Philippines – Several companies that operate malls, hotels, and restaurants in General Santos City have issued advisories after a destructive magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani province on Monday, June 8. 

After a video of the partial collapse and damage to one of its stores in General Santos City went viral, Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) said on Monday night that all its team members in all its stores in the city “have been accounted for and are safe.” 

“At this time, we have received no reports of injuries in our stores located in the affected areas,” the fast-food giant of billionaire Tony Tan Caktiong said. 

“Our hearts go out to all those affected by this unfortunate event. During this time, the safety of our customers and store team members remains our highest priority,” JFC said. 

JFC has at least 10 outlets in General Santos City.

The Gokongwei Group’s Robinsons Malls, which operates Robinsons Gen San, said it was “deeply relieved to report that all personnel are safe and there are no casualties.”

It also closed the mall for a thorough inspection of the building. 

“The safety of our people, partners, and communities remains our absolute priority,” Robinsons Malls said. 

In addition, Robinsons Hotels & Resorts also said that all guests and staff at Grand Summit Hotel in General Santos City are safe. 

“Some adjustments to upcoming bookings may be necessary, and our team is on hand to assist with any inquiries,” Robinsons Hotels & Resorts said. 

In a separate statement, Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) said its engineering and technical teams were conducting “rigorous structural inspections” in all of its properties in Mindanao. 

“Robinsons Land is closely monitoring the situation on the ground. While we are relieved to share that our personnel and guests are safe and accounted for, our focus is now on ensuring the absolute safety of our broader communities,” RLC said. 

The Sy family’s SM City General Santos said evacuation was conducted in the mall, and that they are checking for “any effects the earthquake may have caused for the safety of all customers, employees, and business partners.” 

SM Foundation also launched Operation Tulong Express with the Philippine Red Cross and SM Malls nationwide for cash donations that will “support families and communities affected by the recent earthquake.” 

KCC Mall of Gensan and KCC Mall of Marbel also said that everyone in their malls were “safely guided outside to the evacuation area,” and that they closed the establishments due to aftershocks and for inspections. 

We will update this article as more companies issue advisories and other information.

Follow Rappler’s live coverage of the Sarangani quake here. – Rappler.com