In just a little over a day after a quake hit North Cotabato in southern Philippines, the very same region encountered another shake on early Monday morning, registering the same 5.7 magnitude strength as with the first incident.

Local Philippine media outlets reported the earthquake, recorded at 4:08 a.m., was tectonic in origin, citing seismologists from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. It struck 17 kilometers northwest of Carmen at a depth of 3 km. Scientists warned of possible damage and aftershocks.

The United States Geological Survey recorded the early Monday morning jolt at 5.6 magnitude.

Intensity 6 was felt in Carmen while Intensity 5 was felt in Kabacan, North Cotabato. Matalam, North Cotabato felt Intensity 4; Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Kidapawan City and the towns of Arakan, Magpet, Makilala and President Roxas felt Intensity 3; while Butuan City experience Intensity 1.

Public schools in the Philippines opened the new school year on Monday, but North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Talino-Mendoza suspended classes in the entire town of Carmen after fove public schools were found to have sustained damages.

"No class today in Carmen to double check extent of damage of school buildings," Ms Mendoza said.

She added new landslides have followed the latest earthquake, covering several roads which are already covered with boulders and debris following the June 1 earthquake.

Saturday Earthquake

On Saturday, the very same Carmen town was struck by a 5.7 magnitude quake 10:10 p.m.

Damages due to the first tremor have reached P59 million (AU$ 1.5 million).

No deaths were recorded, although 33 people were reportedly injured.

The province has experienced at least 80 aftershocks since Saturday's first earthquake.

"Aftershocks felt every so often, [and the] intensity varies," Ms Mendoza said.

No new casualty has so far been released from the second quake.