MANILA — A magnitude 4.4 earthquake jolted Davao del Sur on Sunday, a few days before Christmas.

The quake follows a magnitude 5.9 quake last Dec. 15, which left 11 dead and hundreds injured.

The lastest tremor, which was not expected to cause damage and aftershocks, struck 3 kilometers northeast of Kiblawan town, according to Phivolcs.

It was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 9 kilometers,

Intensity III was felt in Digos City, Kidapawan City, and Davao City, Phivolcs said.

The following instrumental intensities were reported:

• Intensity III - Kidapawan City; Koronadal City; Tupi, South Cotabato; Alabel, Sarangani
• Intensity II - General Santos City; Davao City
• Intensity I - Kiamba, Sarangani

The Philippines is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an arc of intense seismic activity that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.