A 5.5-magnitude earthquake rocked Davao Oriental and neighboring areas on Thursday evening, Dec. 29, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs said the quake struck 37 kilometers southeast of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental around 9:13 p.m.
It said the earthquake was felt at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; Intensity III (weak) in Davao City and General Santos City; and Intensity II (slightly felt) in Tampakan in South Cotabato and Maco and Monkayo in Davao de Oro.
Phivolcs’ instruments also recorded the quake at Intensity IV in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; Intensity III in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro, Alabel and Malapatan in Sarangani, and Tupi and General Santos City in South Cotabato; Intensity II in Kidapawan City in Cotabato, Kiamba and Glan in Sarangani, Tampakan, T'Boli, and Polomolok in South Cotabato; and Intensity I in Maitum and Maasim in Sarangani and Koronadal City and Lake Sebu 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.