A 5.6-magnitude earthquake jolted Davao Oriental and neighboring areas early Saturday morning, Dec. 10, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs said the quake struck 51 kilometers southeast of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental around 4:01 a.m.
It said the earthquake was felt at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental; Bansalan, Davao del Sur; and Malapatan and Malungon in Sarangani.
It was “weak” at Intensity III in the City of Davao; City of Mati; Alabel, Glan, and Kiamba in Sarangani; City of Koronadal, Polomolok, Tampakan, and Tupi in South Cotabato; and City of General Santos.
Phivolcs also said the tremor was slightly felt at Intensity II in the City of Kidapawan, Arakan, M'lang, Makilala, and Pikit in Cotabato; Maasim in Sarangani; Surallah in South Cotabato; and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat.
Phivolcs’ instruments also recorded the tremor at Intensity IV in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; City of Kidapawan, Cotabato; and Malapatan, Sarangani; Intensity III in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; City of Davao; Glan, Kiamba, and Maasim in Sarangani; City of Koronadal, Polomolok, Tampakan, and Tupi in South Cotabato; and City of General Santos; Intensity II in Maitum, Sarangani; T'Boli, South Cotabato; and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; and Intensity I in Kalilangan, Bukidnon; and Norala, Santo Niño, Surallah, and Tantangan in South Cotabato.
The earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.
Phivolcs advised the public to stay vigilant as aftershocks may occur.