The earthquake struck at 12:14 pm local time, about 32 kilometres southwest of Sarangani Island, at a depth of 62 kilometres. Authorities said the tremor did not prompt a tsunami warning.

Harly Sauro, a rescue official on Sarangani Island, said the earthquake struck while many residents had gathered to receive government financial assistance.

He said the shaking was severe enough to cause panic, with people fleeing the venue, but added that initial assessments indicated everyone was safe and there were no immediate signs of casualties or significant damage.

The latest earthquake follows the powerful 8 June earthquake that struck nearby Mindanao, triggering landslides, damaging infrastructure and killing dozens of people.

The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where frequent seismic and volcanic activity makes earthquakes a regular occurrence.