The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres, around 68 kilometres east of Baculin, a village near the town of Hinatuan in Surigao del Sur province. The Philippine seismology agency Phivolcs also measured the tremor at magnitude 6.4 but estimated a deeper focal depth of 23 kilometres. The agency warned of possible damage and aftershocks.
Local police and disaster management officials near the epicentre said there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Joey Monato, the local police chief of Hinatuan, said the shaking was felt by residents, prompting many to rush outdoors, but described it as not very strong.
Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said the earthquake was unlikely to trigger a tsunami. He explained that the depth of the tremor meant it would not generate destructive tsunami waves.
Residents reported feeling strong shaking on roads, bridges and overhead structures, while a live press conference in the area was briefly halted due to the tremors.
Geological experts note that the Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The USGS later confirmed that there were still no reports of injuries or significant damage following the quake.
