Residents in General Santos City and neighboring provinces rushed outdoors after two moderate earthquakes struck offshore near Sarangani on Wednesday evening, July 29, 2026.
The first earthquake struck at exactly 9:16 p.m., registering magnitude 5.5 with a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, causing strong ground shaking.
Just seven minutes later, a second magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck the same offshore area, prompting renewed concern among residents already recovering from June’s destructive earthquake.
Many families immediately evacuated their homes, while workers, customers, and motorists moved toward open spaces as buildings and structures noticeably swayed during both tremors.
Authorities reminded the public to remain calm, monitor official advisories, and stay alert for possible aftershocks following the consecutive earthquakes affecting the region.
Initial reports did not indicate significant structural damage, casualties, or tsunami threats, although authorities continued assessing affected communities throughout the evening.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology continued monitoring seismic activity while emphasizing that aftershocks may occur following moderate offshore earthquakes.
Emergency response teams coordinated with local government units to verify reports, inspect infrastructure, and ensure public safety across General Santos and nearby municipalities.
Residents shared their experiences through social media, describing sudden, powerful shaking that revived memories of the devastating earthquake that struck Mindanao last June.
Authorities encouraged everyone to prepare emergency supplies, identify safe evacuation areas, and report damaged structures immediately to appropriate local government offices.
Officials urged the public to rely only on verified information from government agencies and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could create unnecessary public panic.
