A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck Sarangani province at 11:35 p.m. on Monday, July 17, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
In its initial bulletin, Phivolcs said it had located the epicenter of the earthquake 33 kilometers (km) southwest of Maitum, Sarangani.
It occurred at a shallow depth of 6 km beneath the epicenter.
Phivolcs said the tremor was felt at Intensity II (slightly felt) in General Santos City, South Cotabato.
(Phivolcs)
It was also recorded by Phivolcs' instruments at Intensity III (weak) in Banga, Norala, Tupi, and Santo Niño in South Cotabato; Isulan and Kalamansig in Sultan Kudarat; and Maitum and Kiamba in Sarangani and Intensity II in Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental; Maasim and Malungon in Sarangani; Bagumbayan, Lebak, and Esperanza in Sultan Kudarat; and General Santos City in South Cotabato.
Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.
Although it does not anticipate any damage from this earthquake, Phivolcs warned that aftershocks could occur.