MANILA, Philippines – For Manny Pacquiao, the Mindanao earthquake hits close to home.

The Filipino boxing champion was raised in General Santos City, and calls Sarangani home.

“My heart is heavy as I receive news of the destruction and distress caused by the earthquake in our home. To the families who have lost loved ones and to everyone who has been displaced or suffered damage to their homes and livelihoods, please know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers,” Pacquiao said in a statement released to media outlets on Wednesday, June 10.

Pacquiao, who is currently in the US, said that he is expediting his return to the Philippines to personally help those affected by the earthquake.

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“​Though I am currently here in the United States fulfilling prior commitments, I am monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with our teams on the ground to ensure that help reaches those who need it most as quickly as possible. Please stay strong and remain vigilant for aftershocks,” Pacquiao said.

The boxing icon is also raising funds for those affected by the earthquake through his charity organization, The Manny Pacquiao Foundation and through GoFundMe, check.

Proceeds will be used to fund the following:

• Assistance for displaced families, children, seniors and vulnerable populations
• Emergency food, clean drinking water, and nutrition supplies
• Temporary shelter, bedding, blankets, emergency housing
• Medical care, medications, and first aid and trauma support
• Hygiene kits, sanitation supplies, and household necessities

“You are not alone in this. We will face this challenge together and rebuild as one. Stay safe and may God bless and protect all of you,” he added.

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake had struck off the coast of Sarangani and hit many parts of Mindanao on the morning of Monday, June 8. The earthquake had caused significant damage to infrastructure, including nearly 200 classrooms around Mindanao.

As of Tuesday, June 9, a total of 37 deaths have been recorded by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, 33 of them in Socsksargen.

The Pacquiao family has strong political ties to Mindanao. Lorelie Geronimo Pacquiao, the boxer’s sister-in-law, is the mayor of General Santos City, one of the hardest-hit cities. Manny himself served as Sarangani congressman from 2010 to 2016, succeded by his younger brother, Rogelio Pacquiao, from 2016 to 2022. – Rappler.com