An offshore earthquake measuring 6.1-magnitude on the Richter scale has occurred in Batangas at around 5:50 a.m., Sunday, May 22, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs traced the epicenter of the earthquake at 18 kilometers (km) northwest of Calatagan, Batangas at a depth of 122 kilometers.
It was felt as a “moderately strong” earthquake at Intensity IV in Calatagan.
It was also felt as a “weak” tremor at Intensity III in Quezon City; Pasay City; Pasig City; Tagaytay City; Mendez, Amadeo and Alfonso, Cavite; and Obando, Bulacan.
Meanwhile, it was “slightly weak” at Intensity II in Abucay, Bataan; Gapan City, Nueva Ecija; Castillejos, Zambales; Mandaluyong City; Manila City; Makati City; and Tanay, Rizal.
Phivolcs’ instruments also recorded the quake at Intensity III in Plaridel, San Ildefonso and Malolos City, Bulacan; Guagua, Pampanga; Tagaytay City; Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro; Batangas City; Olongapo City, Zambales; and Gumaca, Quezon; and Intensity I in Los Baños, Laguna; Iba, Zambales; Pasig City; Quezon City; Tayabas, Polillo, Lopez, San Francisco and Lucban, Quezon; and Baler, Aurora.
Meanwhile, the State seismologists pointed out that there was no tsunami threat to the Philippines following the strong earthquake.
It said the earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.
Phivolcs, however, advised the public to stay vigilant as aftershocks may occur.