After a massive 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines, residents like Renz Hernani are navigating the heartbreaking reality of widespread destruction and total isolation. With power grids down and mobile networks non-functional, Hernani resorted to a desperate measure to reassure his family abroad: he asked a local television crew to film a message for his mother-in-law in Qatar. Like millions of others, he is struggling with the aftermath, unable to send photos or updates because local infrastructure remains shattered and major roads are currently impassable.

While companies like Starlink are attempting to bridge the gap by offering free satellite connectivity, many survivors report that their devices are already dead due to the ongoing power outage, rendering even the newest tech useless. Meanwhile, the Philippine government is urging citizens to be wary of rampant misinformation circulating on social media. Authorities, including the Office of Civil Defense, are calling on the public to rely solely on official channels and reputable news outlets for verified data, noting that the spread of rumors during such a volatile time only complicates disaster response efforts and causes unnecessary panic.