OCCIDENTAL MINDORO / RankWire.AI / – A quake measuring 5.4 in magnitude struck near Occidental Mindoro in the Philippines early on Friday, causing tremors that were felt in parts of Luzon and Metro Manila. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, commonly known as PHIVOLCS, recorded the event at 10:38 a.m. local time. The epicenter was located approximately 13 kilometers southwest of Mamburao, the provincial capital. Originating from tectonic activity, the quake had an approximate depth of 14 kilometers.
Initially, officials reported the earthquake as magnitude 5.8, but further analysis adjusted the figure to 5.4. PHIVOLCS indicated that aftershocks might follow the primary tremor. Based on preliminary assessments, the agency did not anticipate significant damage. Residents throughout Mindoro experienced noticeable shaking during late morning hours, while neighboring provinces felt minor movements. Parts of the capital region, more than 100 kilometers from the epicenter, also experienced the effects of the quake.
Mamburao experienced Intensity 5 shaking, along with several localities in Oriental Mindoro. Likewise, Calapan City, Naujan, Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, and Victoria all reported the same level of intensity. Taal in Batangas and towns in Occidental Mindoro such as Abra de Ilog and Sablayan were affected at Intensity 4. Instrument readings confirmed Intensity 5 in Mamburao and Puerto Galera. The strongest ground motion was concentrated across Mindoro, where communities registered the most significant shaking.
Ground Shaking Reaches Metro Manila
The tremor extended into Metro Manila and farther northern provinces of Mindoro. Seismic instruments detected Intensity 3 in Quezon City, Batangas City, Calapan City, and Victoria. Additionally, General Trias in Cavite and San Pedro in Laguna recorded the same level of intensity. Some residents in Manila evacuated buildings as a safety measure during the tremor. Normal activities resumed once the shaking ceased, and officials continued inspections across the affected regions.
In the wider Luzon area, lower instrument readings were recorded. Parañaque City noted Intensity 2, alongside Santa Cruz in Laguna and Guinayangan in Quezon. The variations in seismic measurements reflect different degrees of ground motion at various locations. The initial assessment indicated no major structural damages. Monitoring efforts persisted after the main earthquake, as local authorities and seismic stations remained vigilant for additional tremors near Occidental Mindoro.
Revised Magnitude Clarifies Latest Official Data
Following detailed review of seismic data, the earthquake’s magnitude was confirmed at 5.4. Its depth persisted at approximately 14 kilometers, with the epicenter located southwest of Mamburao. Communities in Occidental and Oriental Mindoro experienced the strongest shaking, while milder tremors reached Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Metro Manila. The distribution of intensity readings demonstrates that residents across a broad section of Luzon felt the seismic event on Friday morning.
The Philippines frequently encounters earthquakes due to multiple active tectonic boundaries surrounding and crossing the archipelago. Monitoring stations nationwide continuously track seismic activity, updating data as new information becomes available. The earthquake near Occidental Mindoro generated widespread shaking, yet no significant damage was initially reported. Authorities continue to observe for aftershocks, and the latest official magnitude remains 5.4, replacing the earlier preliminary reading of a stronger magnitude shortly after the quake.