MANILA: A sudden wave of panic swept through parts of the southern Philippines on Wednesday when a strong offshore earthquake shook the region, forcing residents to rush for safety. The USGS said the earthquake occurred at a depth of 62 kilometres, a measurement also reported by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. The tremor struck while a large crowd had gathered at a local court on Sarangani Island to receive a government subsidy, according to rescuer Harly Sauro. He said many people were present at the court when the earthquake struck during the distribution of financial assistance, but everyone managed to remain safe. “The earthquake came while the local government was giving a financial subsidy, so there were many people at the court, but everyone’s safe,” he added.