Manila - A strong quake rocked the southern Philippines on Thursday, causing panic among some residents, but no casualties or damage were reported, an official said.

The 6.1-magnitude earthquake was felt strongest in the southern city of General Santos, where some people dashed out of buildings and shopping centres, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said the epicentre of the earthquake was 85 kilometres off the coast of General Santos.

Solidum said the institute was not expecting any damage or casualties resulting from the quake, but he warned people in the area of aftershocks. (dpa)