A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off the southern Philippines on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
The quake struck at 12:14 pm local time (0414 GMT) about 32 kilometres southwest of Sarangani Island at a depth of 62 kilometres, according to the USGS and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. No tsunami warning was issued.
Local rescuer Harly Sauro said the tremor struck while hundreds of people had gathered to receive government financial assistance.
"The shaking was quite strong. I saw people in panic. They were running and shouting," Sauro told AFP.
"The earthquake came while the local government was giving a financial subsidy, so there were many people at the court, but everyone's safe," he said, adding that authorities did not expect casualties or significant damage.
The quake comes less than two months after a powerful June 8 earthquake devastated nearby Mindanao, toppling buildings, triggering landslides and killing at least 76 people.
The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone where earthquakes and volcanic activity occur frequently.
