Mindanao, Philippines - Residents in Davao Occidental particularly those who live near the shores were frightened when a sudden jolt caused by the magnitude 6.1 quake struck the location early Sunday morning today.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the initially reported magnitude 6.5 caused a panic in the area since the place is close to a large body of water which potentially can trigger tsunami waves. The tremor that hit southeast of Saranggani Island of the municipality of Saranggani in Davao Occidental has a depth of 156 kilometers.

The natural phenomenon was detected by the scientific instruments at 7:48 a.m, reports said. The tectonic in origin tremor was Intensity II or a "slightly felt" shaking of the ground was reported in Cateel, Davao Oriental, according to Phivolcs. The bureau has also downgraded the magtitude to 6.1 after careful investigation of the natural incident.

There was no injury nor expected damage from the quake but aftershocks were likely to occur said Phivolcs which has been the natural occurrence in the island of Mindanao in the past years.

The Philippines archipelago is part within the Pacific Ring of Fire which is the main reason of frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes take region.