3 quakes jolt parts of Luzon, Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - Three earthquakes, the strongest with a magnitude of 6.0, rocked some parts of the country, including Metro Manila, yesterday but did not cause damage or injuries, state seismologists said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said a magnitude 6 quake struck some 100 kilometers northwest of Palauig, Zambales at around 8:27 a.m. yesterday.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said the tremor was felt at Intensity 3 in Iba, Zambales and Marikina City; Intensity 2 in Quezon City, Manila, Mandaluyong City, Ortigas in Pasig City, Makati City, Obando in Bulacan, Urdaneta City in Pangasinan, and Baguio City, and Intensity 1 in San Manuel, Pangasinan.

Solidum said the quake, which was caused by a movement along the Manila trench, lasted for about 10 seconds and has a depth of 16 km.

He said three aftershocks with magnitudes 3.1, 2.9 and 3.8 were recorded at around 8:41 a.m., 9:07 a.m., and 9:27 a.m., respectively.

“More aftershocks may occur later,” Solidum said in an interview over ANC.

“Fortunately the epicenter of the quake is offshore and the maximum was Intensity 2 so it would not be damaging,” he added.

Meanwhile, two mild quakes also hit parts of Mindanao yesterday.

A magnitude 4.5 quake occurred at around 6:32 a.m. and was centered at 76 km northeast of Loreto, Dinagat Island.

It was felt at Intensity 3 in Loreto, Dinagat, Island and Surigao del Norte and Intensity 2 in Del Carmen, Siargao Island and Surigao del Norte. Solidum said aftershocks were expected.

Another quake, measuring 3.6 magnitude, occurred at around 6:53 a.m. and was centered 126 km southeast of Loreto. It was felt at Intensity 2 in Loreto, Dinagat Island. – With Eva Visperas