emirates7 - The death toll from the magnitude-7.8 earthquake now stands at 15, according to officials from the Philippine Office of Civil Defence.

According to local Civil Defence Office Director Rodrigo Sosmeña, 12 of the fatalities were reported in Soccsksargen - a region spanning four provinces and one city: South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City.

At least 129 people were reportedly injured in the region, he added.