Phivolcs said the earthquake struck at a depth of 26 kilometers (km) beneath the epicenter, which was 19 km southwest of Maitum, Sarangani.
The quake was felt at Intensity III (weak) in General Santos.
Its instruments also recorded the tremor at Intensity V (strong) in Kiamba, Sarangani; Intensity IV (moderately strong) in General Santos City; Intensity III in Pikit in Cotabato, Malungon and Maasim in Sarangani, and Tupi and Polomolok in South Cotabato; Intensity II (slightly felt) in Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental, Alabel, Glan and Malapatan in Sarangani, and Koronadal City in South Cotabato; and Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) in Tantangan in South Cotabato.
Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.
However, it does not expect aftershocks due to this.
