A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani Island in Davao Occidental on Friday evening, shaking multiple provinces across Mindanao but causing no expected damage, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) reported.
Earthquake Details
The tectonic earthquake occurred at 6:34 PM on April 4, 2026, with its epicenter located 139 kilometers south 39 degrees east of Sarangani Island in the Municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental. The earthquake originated 34 kilometers below the surface at coordinates 4.49°N, 126.26°E.
Widespread Shaking Reported
The earthquake was felt across a wide area of Mindanao, with General Santos City and Glan in Sarangani province experiencing the strongest shaking at Intensity III. Under the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale, Intensity III represents weak shaking that is felt by many people indoors, particularly those on upper floors of buildings.
Intensity II shaking, described as felt by few individuals at rest indoors, was reported in numerous areas including:
- Davao Occidental: Sarangani and Jose Abad Santos
- South Cotabato: Tupi, T'boli, and Polomolok
- Cotabato: M'lang
- Sarangani: Malapatan, Malungon, and Alabel
- Davao City
- Davao del Sur: Santa Cruz
- Sultan Kudarat: Palimbang
The lightest shaking at Intensity I was felt in Santo Niño in South Cotabato, Magsaysay in Davao del Sur, and Mawab in Davao de Oro.
Instrumental Readings Confirm Reports
PHIVOLCS seismographs recorded instrumental intensities that largely matched the reported intensities from the public. Instruments detected Intensity III in Malungon, Sarangani, and Intensity II in areas including Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, Digos City in Davao del Sur, and multiple municipalities across South Cotabato, Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
Intensity I readings extended the farthest, reaching Zamboanga City, Kadingilan in Bukidnon, and Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental, demonstrating the earthquake's wide-reaching effects across the southern Philippines.
No Damage Expected, Aftershocks Possible
PHIVOLCS does not expect damage from this earthquake. However, the agency warns that aftershocks are possible following the magnitude 6.0 event.
The earthquake bulletin, issued at 7:51 PM on April 4, 2026, represents PHIVOLCS Earthquake Information No. 2 for this event. The agency stated this will be the only bulletin issued unless additional information becomes available.
Tectonic Origin
The earthquake was classified as tectonic in origin, meaning it resulted from the movement of rock formations beneath the Earth's surface rather than volcanic activity.
PHIVOLCS has made an epicentral map available showing the earthquake's location and affected areas.
For the latest earthquake information and updates, the public is advised to monitor official PHIVOLCS updates at phivolcs.dost.gov.ph.