5.3-Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Southern Philippines
A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 struck off the coast of Davao Occidental, southern Philippines, at 1:08 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s epicenter was located about 64 kilometers southeast of the town of Caburan, at a depth of approximately 141 kilometers below the earth’s surface.
The earthquake was tectonic in origin, meaning it was caused by movements of geological plates beneath the Earth’s crust. The shock was felt by some residents in nearby areas, but no casualties or material damage have been reported so far. Instrumental intensities measured were generally weak (Intensity I-III) and limited to certain towns, including Malungon, Sarangani (Intensity III), General Santos City, and Davao del Sur (Intensity II).
Authorities have emphasized that, for earthquakes of this strength and depth, a tsunami is very unlikely and therefore no warning was issued. However, Phivolcs noted that minor aftershocks could occur, though they are usually weaker than the main tremor.
Earthquakes are common in the Philippines as it sits within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to shifting tectonic plates.
Sources: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), United States Geological Survey (USGS), QNA, Breaking The News, GMA Network.
