The tremor hit Mindanao in southern Philippines, which has an estimated population of over 25 million people. So far no injuries have been reported.
However, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned damage and aftershocks are expected.
It added: “No destructive tsunami threat exists based on available data.”
The nearshore earthquake struck at a depth of 294 miles.
Initially it was reported to be 6.3 strength on the Richter scale but this was later upgraded to 6.4.
Earthquakes between 6.0 and 6.9 on the scale are classified as “Strong” and around 100-150 of these occur each year.
They can cause damage to buildings, particularly if they are poorly designed.
An earthquake of this strength can be felt hundreds of miles from its epicentre.
According to Philippine authorities the earthquake was also felt across Sarangani, a southern coastal province, and two cities in South Cotabato.
READ MORE: California earthquake – Los Angeles rocked by powerful 4.2 quake
On December 15 2019 Mindanao, the second biggest island that makes up the Philippines, was struck by a separate earthquake that left 13 people dead.
Another 210 people were left injured by the quake which measured 6.8 on the Richter scale.
The Philippines, like much of the world, is also battling an outbreak of the deadly coronavirus.
On Saturday the country recorded 4,963 new cases, its highest daily total.
Of these some 2,667 cases were concentrated around Manila, the country’s capital.
In total the Philippines has recorded 98,232 cases since the outbreak began.
These have been responsible for 2,039 deaths.
Those currently infected include House Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman along with his wife.
Of those in the Philippines who have COVID-19 0.8 percent are in a critical condition.
However, some 65,265 people in the country have recovered from the potentially deadly disease.