5.1 magnitude quake hits Central Mindanao

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – A 5.1-magnitude earthquake hit Central Mindanao early Sunday morning but volcanology office said there was no immediate report of casualties or damages to properties.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)-Cotabato Station said the quake was felt in the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat at about 7:28 a.m. Sunday.

There were no reported casualties or damages in the quake which Phivolcs said was tectonic in origin or the movement of earth layer underneath.

Its epicenter was traced about 58 kilometer southwest of Datu Piang in Maguindanao. The area is situated in the marshland of Maguindanao.

There was no reported aftershock, Phivolcs-Cotabato said.

However, the United States Geological Survey, in a statement on its website, said the quake was recorded at magnitude 4.9, tectonic in origin and traced about 79 kilometers south of Cotabato City.

Celia Lim of Cotabato City said she did not feel the tremor but noticed movement of hangers in the clothesline at about 7:30 a.m.