A HUGE 6.9 magnitude earthquake teared through the Philippines with residents told to be alert for aftershocks and damage.

The earthquake struck off the shore of the Mindano region today, sparking fears of destruction in the area.

The quake only lasted several seconds but devastated shopping malls and offices.

Michael Ricafort was about to board the plane to Manila when the quake struck.

He said that the passengers at an airport in General Santos City had to be evacuated to a tarmac.

Radio announcer Leny Aranego said the powerful earthquake cracked the walls and toppled computers from desks.

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"I think it was the strongest earthquake I've ever experienced," Keeshia Leyran, 27, told AFP news agency from Davao City, about 120 miles from the epicentre.

"People around me were panicking and running to go outside. 

"There are hundreds of people here at the event, so I was more scared of a stampede happening to be honest."

Luckily, no immediate casualties were reported but the locals were warned to watch out for potential damages and aftershock.

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The earth tremor started at a depth of 6.2 miles under the sea, German Research Center for Geosciences said.

The shallow earthquakes are more likely to cause damages on the surface.

But there won't be a risk of tsunami, reported the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.

Mindano is the second largest island in the Philippines and is home to around 26 million people.

Being situated in the "Pacific Ring of Fire", Philippines is vulnerable to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

There are around 300 volcanoes in the country, with 24 of them still active.

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