Magnitude 5.3 quake jolts Sultan Kudarat; aftershocks expected

January 20 ------ A magnitude 5.3 tectonic earthquake struck off the coast of Sultan Kudarat early Tuesday morning, January 20, 2026.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the offshore quake occurred at 3:00 AM. The epicenter was located at 06.39°N, 123.69°E, approximately 43 km southwest of Kalamansig. The earthquake had a shallow depth of focus of 10 kilometers. While no immediate damage to infrastructure is expected, the tremor was felt across several provinces in Mindanao through the following instrumental intensities:

Intensity IV: Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

Intensity III: Kiamba and Maitum, Sarangani; Santo Nino, T'Boli, Norala, Surallah, and Tupi, South Cotabato; Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Intensity II: M'lang, Cotabato; City of Digos, Davao del Sur; Maasim, Malungon, and Alabel, Sarangani; Tampakan, Tantangan, and Banga, South Cotabato; Bagumbayan and Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.

Intensity I: Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental; Malapatan, Sarangani; Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; City of Zamboanga.

PHIVOLCS said that while no damage is expected, residents should remain alert as aftershocks are expected.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com