Two strong earthquakes shook parts of the Philippines’ Davao Region and Soccsksargen on Wednesday morning, October 28, 2026, sending residents running outdoors and prompting school evacuations, according to local reporting citing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Phivolcs recorded a magnitude 5.5 earthquake at 7:43 a.m., followed by a magnitude 5.4 tremor at 9:11 a.m. Both were centred near Balut Island in Sarangani, Davao Occidental, at a depth of 10 kilometres. The second quake’s epicentre was about 11 kilometres southwest of the island, according to the report.
Shops emptied, classrooms checked
In Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, residents hurried out of their houses as the ground shook. Resident Jed Tabogoy said the first quake caught his family off guard, lasting only seconds but reviving fear left by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Mindanao in June. In Glan, Sarangani, employees of a mobile phone shop ran out of the store when the first tremor hit, some without shoes, according to CCTV footage shared by shop owner Roland King Algarme. Staff waited outside until the shaking stopped, went out again when the second quake struck, and then returned to work. No damage was reported in the shop.
Schools act fast
In Glan, pupils of Pangyan Elementary School were sent home, with many picked up by their parents. In Surallah, South Cotabato, teachers at Lamsugod Elementary School led students to an open field, where children covered their heads for protection. After checking classrooms and finding no damage, school officials let classes resume once the shaking subsided, according to the report. No casualties or major damage had been reported in the available accounts as of Wednesday morning. That is encouraging, but early reports after earthquakes often miss damage in remote areas — officials typically update tolls as teams reach coastal and island communities.
What happens next
Phivolcs will monitor for aftershocks, and local disaster offices are expected to complete damage checks on schools and public buildings. Residents have been reminded to stay alert for further tremors, particularly in coastal areas near the epicentres.
Related: Cyclone Arnab Slams Andhra Coast Today With 150 km/h Gusts
