A powerful earthquake struck southern Philippines on Wednesday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The quake measured 6.7 on the Richter scale and occurred near the coastal region of Mindanao Island, about 27 kilometers east of Santiago city. The quake’s depth was recorded at approximately 58.5 kilometers below the surface. No tsunami warning was issued following the tremor.

Authorities reported that there were no immediate casualties or major damage from the earthquake. Local administration and emergency services are closely monitoring the situation to assess any potential aftereffects or structural impacts in the affected areas.

The absence of a tsunami alert and early reports of minimal damage suggest that the region may have avoided severe consequences, though monitoring continues to ensure public safety.

Tens of thousands of Filipinos continued demonstrations in Manila for a second consecutive day, demanding accountability for alleged corruption in government flood-mitigation projects. The protests, organized by the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo church, began Sunday and drew over 600,000 participants nationwide. Protesters voiced frustration at what they see as ineffective investigations into irregularities revealed by an internal audit ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in August. The audit uncovered serious anomalies in flood-control projects, implicating public works officials, lawmakers, and construction executives accused of profiting from substandard or non-existent infrastructure. The scandal has shaken investor confidence and contributed to slower economic growth. Marcos has established a commission to probe the allegations and pledged that those responsible will face jail before Christmas. Demonstrators, however, remain skeptical, citing delays and a lack of visible accountability nearly 100 days after the inquiry began.

Super Typhoon Fung-Wong, locally known as Uwan, has caused widespread destruction across northern Philippines, leaving at least four dead and millions affected. Making landfall in Aurora province on Luzon island on Sunday night with winds reaching 185 km/h, the storm knocked out power across vast areas and battered coastal regions. Authorities evacuated over one million people as heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges swept through densely populated areas. Hundreds of flights were canceled, several airports closed, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national emergency. Local agencies continue to assess damage, though major structural destruction has not yet been reported. The typhoon is expected to move northwest toward the Taiwan Strait by Tuesday and may weaken upon reaching western Taiwan by Thursday. The Philippines is still recovering from last week’s Typhoon Kalmagi, which killed more than 200 people.

The Philippines, still reeling from Typhoon Kalmegi’s deadly aftermath, is now bracing for another major storm — Typhoon Feng-Wong. Forecasters warn the system could strengthen into a super typhoon before making landfall on Sunday night, unleashing destructive winds and storm surges up to five meters high. Covering a massive 1,500-kilometer span, the storm has already triggered heavy rains and strong gusts across the country’s eastern provinces. Philippine meteorologist Benison Estareja cautioned that the typhoon could impact nearly the entire nation. Kalmegi earlier claimed at least 204 lives in the Philippines and five in Vietnam, displacing thousands and leaving widespread power outages. Vietnam’s disaster agency reported over 2,800 damaged homes and half a million people still without electricity. Experts say both nations’ proximity to the Pacific typhoon belt makes them especially vulnerable, while scientists warn that rising global temperatures are fueling stronger, more destructive cyclones.

A massive 7.6-magnitude earthquake has rocked the southern Philippines, particularly the Mindanao region, prompting immediate tsunami warnings from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported that waves as high as 10 feet could hit some coastal areas. Neighboring countries, including Indonesia and the island nation of Palau, are also on alert for potential tsunami waves reaching over one meter (about three feet). Authorities have urged residents in low-lying coastal zones to evacuate to higher ground as a precaution. Emergency response teams are monitoring the situation closely, while aftershocks are expected in the coming hours. Power outages and communication disruptions have been reported in parts of Mindanao. The extent of damage and casualties remains unclear as rescue operations continue in the affected regions.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has taken full responsibility for his administration’s controversial “war on drugs.” In a video message posted on Facebook, Duterte stated, “No matter what happened in the past, I stand by our law enforcement and military. I will protect you. I take full responsibility for everything.” His statement comes after he was arrested in Manila and extradited to The Hague to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC). He is accused of orchestrating the extrajudicial killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers and users during his presidency.