Magnitude 5.6 Aftershock Rattles Davao Occidental and Soccsksargen; Epicenter Located Near Balut Island

Courtesy: DOST-PHIVOLCS

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck offshore Davao Occidental early Thursday morning, August 6, 2026, sending light to moderate tremors across several provinces in the Soccsksargen and Davao regions.

According to the state seismology bureau's Earthquake Information No. 3, the tectonic tremor occurred at 5:41:26 AM. Its epicenter was located at 04.81°N, 125.31°E, placing it 68 kilometers south, 11 degrees west of Balut Island in the Municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental. The earthquake was relatively shallow, with a depth of focus of 13 kilometers.

Seismologists confirmed that the early morning shake is an aftershock of the massive June 2026 Mw 7.8 Offshore Sarangani and Mw 6.5 Offshore Davao Occidental earthquakes that heavily impacted the region earlier this year.

Reported and Instrumental Intensities

The earthquake was felt at varying intensities by residents across neighboring provinces:

• Intensity III (Moderate Shaking): Felt by residents in Kiamba and Malungon, Sarangani, as well as Tupi, South Cotabato.
• Intensity II (Light Shaking): Recorded in Maasim and Malapatan, Sarangani; General Santos City; Banga and Koronadal City, South Cotabato; and the coastal towns of Kalamansig and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat.
• Intensity I (Slight Shaking): Reported in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.

Meanwhile, specialized seismic monitoring equipment registered the following Instrumental Intensities:

Intensity III: Santa Maria, Davao Occidental; Malungon, Sarangani; Tupi, South Cotabato.

Intensity II: Digos City, Davao del Sur; Maitum, Malapatan, Maasim, and Kiamba, Sarangani; Banga, South Cotabato; Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

Intensity I: Davao City; Kidapawan City, Cotabato; Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; Surallah and Tampakan, South Cotabato; Bagumbayan, Isulan, Esperanza, and Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

Safety and Preparedness

Because the tremor was a direct aftershock of the major June 2026 seismic events, local disaster risk reduction and management councils (DRRMCs) continue to monitor the situation. Residents are advised to inspect their homes for any new structural cracks, secure heavy furniture, and remain vigilant for further minor aftershocks. No immediate major damage or casualties have been reported from the offshore epicenter.