Magnitude 5.7 quake hits WV

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – A magnitude 5.7 earthquake jolted Western Visayas Friday afternoon, a report of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

Phivolcs said the tremor, tectonic in origin with a depth of about 13 kilometers, shook Panay island, Negros island and even Palawan, Cebu, Romblon, Masbate and the northwestern part of Mindanao at around 4:05 p.m.

The epicenter of the quake was 5 kilometers east of Culasi town in Antique, where Intensity 6 (classified as "very strong" by Phivolcs) was registered.

Areas at Intensity 5 were in Kalibo town of Aklan, and the towns of Sebaste, Pandan, Lauan and Liberted in Antique.

Intensity 4 was reported in San Jose, Sibalom, Dao, Anini-y, Hamtic and San Remigio towns in Antique and Odiongan town in Romblon, while Intensity 3 was felt in Roxas City in Capiz, Iloilo City and Bacolod City, La Carlota City and Hinobaan town in Negros Occidental.

Intensity 2 was also reported in Cebu City, Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental and Cuyo in Palawan while intensity 1 was felt in Zamboanga City, Masbate City and Dumaguete City.

Phivolcs also warned of possible damage and aftershocks. Director Renato Solidum Jr. said the agency is still verifying information that the quake caused damage in some areas in Antique province.

"May ni-report na damage sa Culasi, Antique. May bahay (na na-damage) pero sketchy ang report," he said in an interview over dzBB radio. However, he allayed fears of the quake generating a tsunami.

The local government of Culasi said there was no reported damage to properties, except for a man who was injured after he fell from a house during the earthquake. The victim, identified as Milo Estocado, 53, fractured his left foot and was treated at the Angel Salazar Memorial Hospital in San Jose de Buenavista town of Antique.

The Antique government was still monitoring the effects of the earthquake in the province.  — with Wire Reports