The death toll from the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao on Friday rose to eight, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, or NDRRMC, said Sunday.

NDRRMC deputy spokesperson Mark Timbal said four of the fatalities were from Sarangani, three from General Santos City, and one from Davao Occidental. Thirteen people were also injured in the quake.

The council said reports on casualties were still being validated as local government units continued their assessments.

The earthquake also damaged 54 houses in Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, South Cotabato and Sarangani, as well as 71 structures in Davao City, Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, South Cotabato and Sarangani.

Some 1,509 individuals or 180 families were affected by the damage, according to the NDRRMC.

On the other hand, power lines were restored in affected areas, and all damaged bridges are now passable. Three of the 12 roads damaged in Soccsksargen are still impassable.

The NDRRMC said Digos City suspended classes at all levels following the earthquake.

Meanwhile, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Sunday led the distribution of family food packs to families and individuals affected by the earthquake in General Santos City at the Oval Gym Gen San Plaza.

Gatchalian reported that the DSWD had initially provided more than P5.1 million worth of interventions to affected citizens in Davao Region (Region 11) and SOCCSKSARGEN (Region 12).

He added that the DSWD Field Office-12 distributed 6,500 family food packs (FFPs) to Sarangani Province and General Santos City.

The field Office also provided cash assistance worth P10,000 each to six bereaved families who lost their loved ones from the tremor.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed government officials to continue the relief operations in areas affected by the quake.

 In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office said Marcos constantly monitors the situation as he met with officials online while in Honolulu, Hawaii.

"Let's just be vigilant. Let's keep watching. We must pay attention to aftershocks because sometimes there are many casualties during aftershocks," Marcos said.