A 68-year-old grandmother is being hailed as a hero after she used her own body to protect her 7-year-old granddaughter when a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern Mindanao on Monday, June 8, 2026.
As the powerful tremor shook their home, the elderly woman rushed to the child, wrapped herself around the girl, and shielded her from falling debris.
Despite sustaining injuries herself, she managed to guide her granddaughter safely out of the damaged house.
“She didn’t think twice. She covered the child with her whole body,” a neighbour said. The girl escaped with minor scratches, while the grandmother was treated for bruises and a possible fractured arm. Both are recovering in a local hospital.
The quake, which struck at 7:37 a.m., caused building collapses, triggered tsunami warnings, and forced widespread evacuations. At least one building fell in General Santos. Amid the chaos, the grandmother’s quick action has inspired survivors.
“Lola is my hero,” the tearful granddaughter said.
