A 5.4-magnitude earthquake that struck off Lubang Island, Occidental Mindoro was felt as far as Metro Manila and nearby areas early Sunday.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the epicenter of the earthquake was traced 20 kilometers east of Lubang Island at around 3:18 a.m.
It was initially measured as a 5.5-magnitude earthquake.
The tremor was felt as a “moderately strong” earthquake at Intensity IV in Makati City, Manila, and Parañaque City.
Meanwhile, it was recorded as a “weak” shaking at Intensity III in Malabon City, Mandaluyong City, Pasay City, Pateros, Quezon City, Taguig City, Tagaytay City, Calapan City and Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, and Calatagan and Lipa City in Batangas.
Phivolcs’ instruments also recorded the earthquake at Intensity IV in Malolos City and San Ildefonso in Bulacan, and Navotas City; Intensity III in Talisay, Batangas; Bacoor City; Muntinlupa City; and Guagua, Pampanga; Intensity II in Magalang, Pampanga; and San Juan City; and Intensity I in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Palayan City and San Jose City, Nueva Ecija; Gumaca, Quezon; and Baler, Aurora.
It said the quake was tectonic in origin, which means the tremor was caused by the movement of an active fault in the area.
Phivolcs said aftershocks are likely to occur. (Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz)
