DAVAO OCCIDENTAL — A moderate earthquake shook parts of Davao Occidental and nearby areas on Monday, August 24, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) identifying the tremor as part of the continuing seismic activity following the powerful earthquakes that struck the region in June.
The earthquake occurred at 11:59 a.m. on August 24, with its epicenter located about 29 kilometers south-southwest of Balut Island in the municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental. PHIVOLCS classified the event as tectonic in origin, meaning it was caused by movement along geological faults or tectonic structures.
PHIVOLCS records magnitude at 4.6
While an initial report from Bombo Radyo described the earthquake as magnitude 5.0, PHIVOLCS’ detailed earthquake bulletin issued at 12:51 p.m. recorded the event at magnitude 4.6, with a depth of 25 kilometers.
The discrepancy is worth noting because earthquake measurements can be revised as seismologists process additional data. For accuracy, the latest detailed PHIVOLCS bulletin should be treated as the authoritative reference.
PHIVOLCS reported Intensity II in Glan, Sarangani, while instrumental readings reached Intensity III in Sarangani, Davao Occidental.
Instrumental Intensity I was also recorded in General Santos City; Maasim, Kiamba and Malungon in Sarangani; and T’boli and Tupi in South Cotabato.
Another aftershock from the June earthquakes
The latest tremor is particularly notable because PHIVOLCS classified it as an aftershock of the magnitude 7.8 offshore Sarangani and magnitude 6.5 offshore Davao Occidental earthquakes recorded in June 2026.
This means the region continues to experience seismic activity associated with the earlier earthquake sequence.
The latest PHIVOLCS bulletin said no damage was expected and no additional aftershocks were expected from this particular event.
The area, however, has continued to experience earthquakes in recent months. PHIVOLCS records show repeated seismic activity around Sarangani and Davao Occidental, including several smaller events and other moderate earthquakes.
Recent earthquakes highlight continuing activity
The latest tremor follows a series of earthquakes recorded in and around the Davao region.
On August 22, PHIVOLCS recorded a magnitude 5.0 tectonic earthquake offshore Tarragona, Davao Oriental, at a depth of 71 kilometers. Instrumental intensities were recorded in parts of Davao Oriental, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao de Oro, Sarangani and South Cotabato. PHIVOLCS said damage was not expected but aftershocks were possible.
Earlier in August, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck off Sarangani in Davao Occidental. The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that PHIVOLCS considered that event an aftershock of the major June earthquakes and recorded shaking in parts of Sarangani, General Santos City and South Cotabato.
The repeated activity underscores why residents in earthquake-prone communities are being urged to remain prepared even when individual tremors are not expected to cause damage.
What residents should remember
PHIVOLCS’ latest bulletin does not indicate expected damage from the August 24 earthquake. Still, residents should continue observing basic earthquake-safety measures, particularly in communities that have experienced repeated seismic activity.
People are advised to remain alert for official updates and to avoid relying on unverified social-media posts about earthquake magnitude, tsunami warnings or alleged predictions.
For the latest measurements and official earthquake information, the public should refer directly to PHIVOLCS.
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