PHIVOLCS reported a M5.1 earthquake near Agusan del Norte at about 17:12 on Aug. 21. Hypocenter depth 10 km; shaking was felt in multiple localities. The agency said the quake is not expected to cause damage.

On Aug 20, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent said he will hold a press briefing on Aug 24 to outline U.S. actions targeting Iran. President Trump warned on Aug 19 that any country providing 'any form of lifeline' to Iran would face economic consequences. Bessent said the Treasury has asymmetric information and questioned why oil has become the focus; he added that applying maximum economic pressure would make large-scale military conflict less likely.

South Korea's finance minister said authorities will pre-assess risk factors across the financial sector — including FX, bond and real estate markets — and respond promptly.