August 5 Mindanao Earthquake Confirmed as Aftershock

Courtesy: PHIVOLCS

A midday earthquake shook large portions of Mindanao on Wednesday, which state seismologists have now officially classified as a major aftershock of the two massive earthquakes that struck the region in June.

According to Earthquake Information No. 3 issued by PHIVOLCS, the tremor struck at exactly 12:14:05 PM on August 5, 2026. The earthquake registered a magnitude of Mw 6.4 and was centered at a very shallow depth of just 6 kilometers. Its epicenter was located 47 kilometers southwest of Balut Island, within the municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental.

Seismologists confirmed that the event is directly linked to the tectonic adjustments following the historic Mw 7.8 Offshore Sarangani and Mw 6.5 Offshore Davao Occidental earthquakes that devastated the region in June 2026.

The quake caused strong localized shaking, triggering an Intensity V rating—characterized by strong shaking felt by most people indoors and outdoors—both reported and instrumentally verified in Glan, Sarangani, and across Balut Island and Malita in Davao Occidental.

Widespread, moderately strong shaking at Intensity IV was felt in highly populated urban areas, including General Santos City, as well as the municipalities of Kiamba, Malungon, Alabel, Jose Abad Santos, Tupi, and Polomolok.The reach of the earthquake extended across almost the entire Mindanao landmass. Weak to moderate vibrations at Intensity III and II were noted in major metropolitan hubs, including Davao City, Zamboanga City, Cotabato City, Koronadal City, and Tacurong City. Neighboring provinces such as Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, and Davao Oriental also reported perceptible ground movement.

Faint tremors at Intensity I were recorded as far north as Kidapawan City and Pikit in Cotabato, and as far east as Tarragona in Davao Oriental.

Local disaster risk reduction and management offices are currently monitoring the situation for any structural damage or secondary disruptions, though aftershocks of this magnitude are typical following high-magnitude offshore earthquakes like those experienced two months ago.