A 6.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Davao Occidental on Friday afternoon, Nov. 17, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs said the earthquake, which struck at 4:14 p.m., had its epicenter 34 kilometers (km) northwest of Sarangani Island, Sarangani town in the province of Davao Occidental, and occurred at a shallow depth of 72 km beneath the epicenter.
It was initially recorded as a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, but this was later revised to a 6.8-magnitude quake.
Phivolcs said the tremor was felt at Intensity VI (very strong) in Kiamba, Sarangani; Polomolok, South Cotabato; and General Santos City.
It was also felt at Intensity V (strong) in Pantukan, Davao de Oro; Tagum City, Davao del Norte; Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; Alabel, Maasim, and Malungon, Sarangani; Banga, Lake Sebu, Tampakan, and Tupi, South Cotabato; and Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.
Intensity IV (moderately strong) tremor was felt in Zamboanga City; Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; Davao City; Banisilan, Kabacan, and Kidapawan City, Cotabato; Malapatan, Sarangani; Koronadal City, Norala, and Santo Niño, South Cotabato; Bagumbayan, Kalamansig, Lebak, Lutayan, President Quirino, and Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat; Bislig City and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur; Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao; and Cotabato City.
It was felt at Intensity III (weak) in Kalilangan in Bukidnon; Laak and Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; Aleosan, Antipas, M'lang, Magpet, and Pigkawayan in Cotabato; Isabela City in Basilan; and Jolo in Sulu; Intensity II (slightly felt) in Don Carlos and San Fernando in Bukidnon; Maco and New Bataan in Davao de Oro; Carmen in Cotabato; and Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) in Cabanglasan, Dangcagan, Libona, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Maramag, Talakag, and Valencia City in Bukidnon; Mambajao in Camiguin; and Balingasag and Villanueva in Misamis Oriental.
Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.
It also said there may have been damage caused by the earthquake and warned the public about potential aftershocks.