An offshore magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Sarangani, Davao Occidental on Wednesday afternoon, triggering shaking across multiple regions, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The tectonic tremor hit at 12:14 p.m. with its epicenter located about 37 kilometers south-southwest of Balut Island in the Municipality of Sarangani. PHIVOLCS confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued and no damage is expected from the event.
Aftershocks Linked to June Mainshock by PHIVOLCS
PHIVOLCS Director Teresito C. Bacolcol stated that the earthquake was generated by the Cotabato Trench and classified the tremor as an aftershock of the destructive magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the same region on June 8. Speaking on the sidelines of the Sustainability Expo 2026 on Wednesday, Mr. Bacolcol noted that calculations placed the epicenter about 50 kilometers away from the June mainshock. Mr. Bacolcol added that aftershocks from the June event are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
Intensity Reports Across the Affected Regions
According to PHIVOLCS, varying intensities were felt across several areas during Wednesday’s magnitude 6.4 tremor. The highest reported level was Intensity V, which was recorded in Glan, Sarangani. Intensity IV was registered in Kiamba, Sarangani; General Santos City; Malungon and Alabel, Sarangani; and Tupi and Polomolok, South Cotabato. Lower levels of shaking were also documented, with Intensity III recorded in Maasim, Maitum, and Malapatan in Sarangani, as well as Lake Sebu and Tampakan in South Cotabato. Intensity II was felt in Koronadal City, Banga, and Surallah, South Cotabato.
Context From Previous Disaster Reports
Wednesday’s tremor follows the damage caused by the June 8 magnitude 7.8 earthquake. That earlier disaster left more than 90 people dead and caused at least P1.47 billion in infrastructure damage, according to the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). While PHIVOLCS indicated that no damage is expected from this latest magnitude 6.4 aftershock, the region remains vulnerable following the earlier catastrophe.
Keep reading