The quake struck off the shore of the Mindanao region, at a depth of 6.2 miles, German Research Center for Geosciences said. Shallow earthquakes are more likely to cause damage on the Earth's surface, Daily Mail reports.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said no tsunami was expected.
There were no immediate reports of casualties but the quake was felt across a wide area of the mountainous island. Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines and is home to around 26 million people.
Philippines' seismology agency said the quake lasted several seconds and advised residents to be on alert for aftershocks and damage. One video showed a crane collapsing from the top of a building, while pictures showed a caved-in ceiling at a shopping center and the aftermath of a landslide.
RHM/PR