There were no reports of damage or injuries from the quake, which struck beneath the Pacific Ocean, about two miles offshore from Mindanao Island’s northeastern tip.
Two mild aftershocks were also felt collowing the initial jolt, which occurred at 2:17 a.m. local time.
Local press reports said hundreds of residents in Tandag City fled to higher ground of the provincial capital when the quake struck but returned to their homes shortly after no tsunami was observed.
The epicenter was just over 10 miles to the north-northeast of the city.