Magnitude 5.2 quake strikes off Sarangani Island, aftermath of earlier quakes

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.2 earthquake jolted offshore of Sarangani Island in Davao Occidental on Tuesday evening, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). In its earthquake bulletin, Phivolcs said that it is an aftershock of the magnitude 7.8 off Maasim, Sarangani, last June 8 and the magnitude 6.5 earthquake off Balut Island last June 26. Phivolcs noted that the epicenter of the earthquake was detected nine kilometers (km) east of Sarangani Island in Davao Occidental at 9:15 p.m. It was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 10 km. It added that Reported Intensity I was raised over General Santos City while Instrumental Intensities were recorded in the following areas: Philippines, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to seismic activity. The Mindanao region, in particular, has a complex geological structure due to the convergence of multiple tectonic plates, making it susceptible to earthquakes. Previous major seismic events in this area have significantly impacted infrastructure and daily life. The current tremor suggests a continuation of seismic activity from earlier quakes.