OCCIDENTAL MINDORO / RankWire.AI / – A seismic event measuring magnitude 5.4 struck close to Occidental Mindoro in the Philippines early Friday, with the tremors felt across parts of Luzon and Metro Manila. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, or PHIVOLCS, recorded the earthquake at 10:38 a.m. local time, pinpointing the epicenter approximately 13 kilometers southwest of Mamburao, the provincial capital. The quake originated from tectonic activity at a depth of about 14 kilometers.
Initially, authorities reported the event as magnitude 5.8, but subsequent analysis lowered the reading to 5.4. PHIVOLCS indicated that aftershocks might follow the main tremor and that, based on their preliminary evaluation, damage was unlikely. Residents in Mindoro experienced noticeable shaking during late morning hours, while weaker vibrations extended to neighboring provinces. The impact also extended to parts of the capital region, which lies over 100 kilometers away from the epicenter’s nearest point.
In Mamburao, the earthquake registered Intensity 5, along with several communities in Oriental Mindoro. Cities such as Calapan City, Naujan, Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, and Victoria all reported the same intensity levels. Additionally, Intensity 4 was felt in Taal in Batangas and the towns of Abra de Ilog and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro. Seismic instruments also detected Intensity 5 in Mamburao and Puerto Galera. Overall, the strongest intensities were concentrated across Mindoro, where communities experienced the most pronounced ground movement.
Ground Shaking Extends to Metro Manila
The tremor’s reach extended into Metro Manila and further northern provinces of Mindoro, with measurements indicating Intensity 3 in Quezon City, Batangas City, Calapan City, and Victoria. The cities of General Trias in Cavite and San Pedro in Laguna also experienced Intensity 3. During the shaking, some building occupants in Manila evacuated their premises as a safety measure. Normal operations resumed once the tremor ceased, and authorities continued assessing conditions across the affected zones.
In the wider Luzon region, seismic activity levels registered lower instrumentally, with Parañaque City recording Intensity 2, alongside Santa Cruz in Laguna and Guinayangan in Quezon. Variations in ground motion measurements reflected differences across locations. Early assessments indicated no significant structural damage, but officials kept monitoring aftershocks following the initial quake. Local authorities and seismic stations remained vigilant for further tremors near Occidental Mindoro, especially after the main event, which was also reported by the earthquake.
Official Magnitude Revised to 5.4 After Further Review
The final, official magnitude was confirmed at 5.4 following a review of the initial seismic data by specialists. The earthquake’s depth remained roughly 14 kilometers, with the epicenter located southwest of Mamburao. Communities in Occidental and Oriental Mindoro experienced the most intense shaking, while weaker tremors extended to Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Metro Manila. The distribution of intensity levels indicated that residents across a broad section of Luzon felt the quake on Friday morning.
The Philippines is prone to frequent seismic activity due to multiple active tectonic boundaries surrounding and crossing the archipelago. Seismic monitoring stations nationwide continuously track such events and update their data as new information becomes available. The earthquake near Occidental Mindoro caused widespread shaking but, based on initial evaluations, did not result in significant structural damage. Authorities maintained surveillance for aftershocks following the event, and the current official magnitude remains 5.4, replacing the earlier preliminary reading of a stronger magnitude shortly after the quake occurred.