Dhaka, June 8 -- At least 15 people have been killed after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit the Philippines, according to the country's Office of Civil Defence, the BBC reports.

Twelve of the fatalities were reported in Soccsksargen - a region spanning four provinces and one city: South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City, said local civil defence office director Rodrigo Sosmeña.

Another 129 people have reportedly been injured, he said.

Earlier reports from Reuters said at least eight people had been killed, while officials warned the toll could change as assessments progressed.

More than two dozen buildings, many of them commercial establishments, have been damaged by the quake.

The Philippine Institute o...