Magnitude 5.8 quake rocks Metro Manila, Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 5.8 earthquake rocked several areas in Luzon, including Metro Manila, yesterday morning, state seismologists said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries from the temblor, but it warned of possible aftershocks.

The quake occurred at 9:09 a.m., with its epicenter located 11 kilometers northwest of Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro.

It was felt at Intensity 5 – classified as “strong” – in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro; Calamba in Laguna, and Calatagan and Calaca towns, both Batangas.

Intensity 4 – “moderately strong” – was felt in Malvar and Lemery, both in Batangas; Calapan in Oriental Mindoro; Mendez in Cavite; Limay in Bataan; Tagaytay in Cavite and Manila.

Intensity 3 or “weak” was felt in Agoncillo, Cuenca, Lipa and Talisay, all in Batangas; General Trias and Dasmariñas, both in Cavite; San Pedro in Laguna as well as in Mandaluyong, Makati, Muntinlupa, Pasay, Pasig and Quezon City.

Intensity 2 or “slightly felt” was recorded in Caloocan and Marikina as well as in Batangas City and Taysan, both in Batangas; Binangonan in Rizal; Cavite City in Cavite; Sta. Cruz in Laguna; Dolores, Lucena and Mulanay in Quezon and Olongapo in Zambales.

Intensity 1 or “scarcely perceptible” was registered in San Mateo, Rizal and San Francisco, Quezon.

Phivolcs said the quake had a depth of 106 km and was tectonic in origin.

No damage, casualties

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has not received any reports of damage or casualties from the earthquake.

Assessments at the local disaster risk reduction units are ongoing and the public is advised to expect aftershocks.

Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) police said it has not received any report of deaths and injuries from the earthquake. – Michael Punongbayan, Emmanuel Tupas