A 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck offshore near Davao Oriental province in the southern Philippines on Friday evening, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported. The seismic event occurred at 7:34 p.m. local time at a depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter located approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Balut Island’s coast.

This latest earthquake follows a more powerful 7.8-magnitude quake that shook the same region earlier this month on June 8, resulting in at least 81 confirmed fatalities. The area remains vulnerable to seismic activity given its position within the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a geologically active zone characterized by frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.

The Philippine archipelago, situated along this horseshoe-shaped belt of intense tectonic movement encircling the Pacific Ocean, regularly experiences such natural events. Local authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely to assess potential risks and coordinate emergency response efforts as needed.