DAVAO ORIENTAL, Philippines — A magnitude 5.3 tectonic earthquake struck off the coast of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, on Saturday evening, August 9, 2025, shaking several parts of Mindanao.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the tremor occurred at 7:33 p.m. with its epicenter located at 06.16°N, 126.71°E, about 89 kilometers south-southeast of Governor Generoso. The quake originated from a depth of 91 kilometers and was classified as tectonic in nature.
The strongest shaking was felt at Intensity IV in Alabel, Sarangani, while Intensity III was reported in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental; Jose Abad Santos and Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental; Malungon and Malapatan in Sarangani; and General Santos City. Lighter tremors were felt at Intensity II in Tupi and Tampakan, South Cotabato, as well as Glan, Sarangani, and at Intensity I in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.
Instrumental data also recorded Intensity IV in Alabel, Sarangani; Intensity III in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; Malungon, Sarangani; and General Santos City; Intensity II in Matanao and Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; Tupi and Koronadal City, South Cotabato; and Intensity I in Maasim and Kiamba, Sarangani; T’boli, South Cotabato; Palimbang, President Quirino, and Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.
PHIVOLCS assured the public that no tsunami warning was issued due to the earthquake’s inland origin and considerable depth. However, residents are urged to stay alert for possible aftershocks.
Local disaster response offices have been placed on heightened monitoring, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Authorities reminded the public to review earthquake safety measures, particularly in areas along the Davao Gulf and nearby provinces.
The Davao Region, located along the seismically active Philippine Trench, frequently experiences moderate earthquakes due to its complex network of active faults and trenches.