Phivolcs: Magnitude 5.3 quake hits Calatagan, shakes parts of Luzon; expect aftershocks

MANILA, Philippines — A 5.3-magnitude earthquake rocked Batangas on Monday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

According to Phivolcs, the epicenter of the quake that occurred at exactly 5:12 p.m. was located 24 kilometers (km) southwest of Calatagan town.

Phivolcs said the temblor was felt strongest in some parts of Quezon City at Intensity III while it was at Intensity II in San Felipe, Zambales.

Intensity I was likewise felt in other portions of Quezon City, Tagaytay City, Batangas City, and Calatagan.

It was also felt at Intensity IV in Calapan City, according to the intensity meter in the office of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Department.

State seismologists said the quake was tectonic in origin and had a depth of 99 km.

No damage was reported due to the tremor as of this posting but Phivolcs warned of possible aftershocks. — with reports from Madonna T. Virola, Inquirer Southern Luzon

KGA