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6.6-magnitude earthquake strikes southern Philippines; aftershocks expected
The quake struck at 7.34pm Philippine time (3.34pm UAE time) at a depth of 10 kilometres, the country's Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said
- PUBLISHED: Fri 26 Jun 2026, 4:07 PM UPDATED: Fri 26 Jun 2026, 4:43 PM
A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck off the coast of southern Philippines on Friday, June 26, according to the country's Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The quake struck at 7.34pm Philippine time (3.34pm UAE time) at a depth of 10 kilometres, Phivolcs said in its statement. The epicentre of the quake is located about 90km south 12° west of Balut Island in the municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental.
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There were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, and no tsunami warning had been issued as of publication. However, Phivolcs advised residents to expect possible aftershocks following the earthquake.
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For many Filipinos abroad with loved ones in the affected region, this most recent earthquake brought back painful memories.
Linda R., a Dubai resident originally from Davao City, said she immediately became anxious after hearing about the latest tremor. "I immediately called my family when I saw the news," she said. "After everything that happened [earlier this month], every earthquake feel scary. Even if they're safe, the worry doesn't go away."
Her concern reflects the anxiety many residents are feeling after a series of strong earthquakes struck Mindanao this month. Less than two weeks ago, on June 15, a magnitude 6.6 earthquake also rattled the southern Philippine island.
It also follows the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Mindanao on June 8, killing more than 40 people, injuring over 450, and displacing thousands, leaving entire communities struggling without electricity and water in its aftermath.
Dubai-based writer E.R.G., whose brother lives in Davao City, said her family has developed an unspoken routine after the recent earthquakes.
"Before I could even message him, he texted our family group chat, 'Before you panic, I'm safe,'" she said. "It was such a relief reading that. But it also just shows how these earthquakes have become something we kind of expect now as a family.”
Which areas are affected by today's Philippine earthquake?
The strongest reported shaking reached Intensity V in Kiamba, Sarangani, indicating very strong ground movement that could cause objects to fall and minor damage to vulnerable structures.
Intensity IV was reported in Don Marcelino and Santa Maria in Davao Occidental, while Intensity III was felt in Davao City and Matanao in Davao del Sur.
Lighter shaking was also experienced across several areas in Davao de Oro, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato provinces.
Instrumental readings likewise recorded Intensity V in Malapatan, Sarangani, and T'boli, South Cotabato, with Intensity IV measured in several municipalities across Sarangani and South Cotabato.
