A magnitude 4.5 earthquake jolted a town in Masbate on Wendesday noon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
In its earthquake information bulletin, Phivolcs said the epicenter of the quake was traced at 20 kilometers northwest of the municipality of Cataingan at about 12:05 p.m.
The quake had a depth of 10 kilometers and was tectonic in origin which was caused by ground shaking primarily due to the sudden movement in the Earth's plates, Phivolcs said.
According to the state seismology bureau, the tremor was felt with a maximum intensity of Intensity IV or "moderately strong shaking" in the towns of Cataingan, Dimasalang, and Palanas in the province, while Intensity III or "weak shaking" was recorded in Masbate City.
The tremor was also "slightly felt" at Intensity II in the municpality of Cawayan, in Masbate; in the towns of Bulusan and Irosin in Sorsogon; Sorsogon City; and Legazpi City in Albay.
The state volcanology agency also recorded Instrumental Intensity III in Masbate City, and Instrumental Intensity II in Legazpi City.
Phivolcs said there are no damage and aftershocks that may be expected from the quake.
Last month, a destructive magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck the town of Cataingan where Intensity VII, characterized by Phivolcs as "destructive" shaking, was recorded. The quake was also felt in parts of Luzon and Visayas.