A 4.8-magnitude earthquake occurred in Masbate province at around 9:38 a.m., Wednesday, May 18, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs traced the epicenter of the earthquake at 8 kilometers (km) northeast of Masbate City, Masbate, and was shallow at a depth of 11 km.
The quake was felt as a “very strong” shaking at Intensity VI in Mobo, Masbate.
It was felt at Intensity V as a “strong” tremor in Masbate City, and at Intensity IV as a “moderately strong” tremor in Aroroy and Baleno, Masbate.
Phivolcs said the quake was also felt at Intensity III in Batuan, Masbate; Intensity II in San Jacinto, Masbate and Ajuy, Iloilo; and Intensity I in Passi City, Iloilo.
Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.