A 5.0-magnitude earthquake jolted South Cotabato early Saturday morning, Aug. 26, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
With a nine-kilometer (km) depth of focus, Phivolcs said the earthquake struck at 3:13 a.m. nine km southwest in Surallah, South Cotabato.
Phivolcs initially measured the quake's magnitude at 5.5 in its first bulletin but later revised it to 5.0.
It was felt at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Surallah, Banga, Tampakan, Tupi, T'Boli, and Koronadal City in South Cotabato; Maasim, Alabel, Glan, and Malapatan in Sarangani.
Meanwhile, Phivolcs recorded Intensity III (weak) in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato; and Malungon in Sarangani. Intensity II (slightly felt) in Maitum, Sarangani.
Moreover, Phivolcs' instruments also recorded the tremor at Intensity V (strong) in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato.
Intensity IV in Tupi, Banga, Polomolok, Surallah, and Santo Ñino in South Cotabato; Kiamba and Maasim in Sarangani.
Intensity III in Alabel, Malungon, Malapatan, and Maitum in Sarangani. Intensity II in Isulan and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat; Tantangan and Norala in South Cotabato; and Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental.
While Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) in Lebak and President Quirino in Sultan Kudarat.
The earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.
Phivolcs warned the public to be cautious as aftershocks may occur. (Sonny Daanoy)
