Block motions in the Visayas and Mindanao are presently controlled by simultaneous left-lateral movement along the Philippine and Cotabato Fault systems located to the eastern and western sections of Mindanao island respectively.

Tensor computation by inversion of GPS data shows a strong E-W component on the principal strain axis. This direction is consistent with active left-lateral faulting along the Philippine and Cotabato fault systems. This active system is responsible for generating the clockwise rotation of a deformed central Mindanao – South Visayas block defined as rigid when rotation is minimized. This block is bounded on its eastern and western limits by the strike-slip faults and to the north by recent NE-SW trending fold belts of the Visayas region best manifested in Cebu island.

First order estimates from strain tensors show that velocities along the Philippine Fault increase from south to north (10 to 24 mm/yr), thereby inducing a differential velocity field from Davao to Surigao. This difference in velocity estimates may be explained by the presence of a number of active splays (Mati, Cateel and Lianga faults) that are connected to the Philippine Fault. To the west, estimates on the Cotabato Fault yield relatively faster rates of about 30mm/yr. This velocity is estimated from the northern end of the fault in Sindangan to the vicinity of Mt. Parker in South Cotabato.