Magnitude 5.3 Earthquake Strikes Davao Occidental; No Damage Expected

NEWS | A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck off the coast of Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental on Thursday afternoon, August 13, 2026, according to the latest bulletin from seismologists.The tectonic tremor occurred at 5:22:54 PM at a deep focus of 106 kilometers. The epicenter was located approximately 36 kilometers south, 63 degrees east of the municipality of Don Marcelino.

Authorities confirmed that despite the moderate magnitude, no structural damage or subsequent aftershocks are expected due to the significant depth of the focus.

Reported Felt Intensities

The earthquake was felt across several areas in southern Mindanao, with intensities recorded as follows:

Intensity III (Weak): Don Marcelino and Santa Maria, Davao Occidental; Malungon, Sarangani.

Intensity II (Slightly Felt): Malita, Davao Occidental; General Santos City; Koronadal City, South Cotabato; and the municipalities of Kiamba, Maasim, Alabel, Maitum, Glan, and Malapatan in Sarangani.

Intensity I (Scarcely Perceptible): Santo Niño, South Cotabato; Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.

Instrumental Intensities

Seismic monitoring instruments recorded the following ground acceleration levels across the region:

Intensity III: Digos City, Davao del Sur.

Intensity II: Malapatan, Maitum, Kiamba, and Maasim, Sarangani; T'Boli and Banga, South Cotabato; Matanao and Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat; Kidapawan City, Cotabato.

Intensity I: Lake Sebu and Surallah, South Cotabato; President Quirino and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; Davao City; General Santos City.

Because the earthquake originated deep within the earth (106 km), the surface shaking was heavily attenuated, preventing the typical destruction associated with a shallow 5.3-magnitude event.

Courtesy: PHIVOLCS