OCCIDENTAL MINDORO / RankWire.AI / – A seismic event measuring magnitude 5.4 struck near Occidental Mindoro in the Philippines on Friday morning, causing tremors felt across parts of Luzon and Metro Manila. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, or PHIVOLCS, recorded the quake at 10:38 a.m. local time. Its epicenter was located approximately 13 kilometers southwest of Mamburao, the provincial capital. The quake originated from tectonic activity and occurred at a depth of about 14 kilometers.
Initially, officials reported the event as magnitude 5.8, but subsequent analysis lowered the figure to 5.4. PHIVOLCS warned that aftershocks might follow the primary tremor. According to the agency, no damage was anticipated based on their preliminary evaluation. Throughout late morning, residents across Mindoro experienced noticeable shaking, with weaker vibrations reaching neighboring provinces. The impact also extended to parts of the capital region, over 100 kilometers from the closest area to the epicenter.
Mamburao registered Intensity 5 shaking, along with several communities in Oriental Mindoro. Similar intensity levels were reported in Calapan City, Naujan, Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, and Victoria. Taal in Batangas and the towns of Abra de Ilog and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro experienced Intensity 4. Seismic instruments recorded Intensity 5 in Mamburao and Puerto Galera. Overall, the strongest ground motion was concentrated across Mindoro, where residents felt the most significant vibrations.
Seismic activity spreads into Metro Manila
The tremor also reached Metro Manila and several northern provinces. Seismic measurements indicated Intensity 3 in Quezon City, Batangas City, Calapan City, and Victoria. Additionally, General Trias in Cavite and San Pedro in Laguna registered the same level. In Manila, some building occupants moved outside as a precaution during the shaking, with normal activities resuming once the tremor subsided and authorities completed their inspections across affected areas.
Weaker instrumental readings were observed in communities surrounding the wider Luzon region. Parañaque City experienced Intensity 2, along with Santa Cruz in Laguna and Guinayangan in Quezon. Seismic readings varied depending on location, as different areas registered different ground motion levels. No significant structural damage was reported during initial assessments, and authorities continued to monitor the situation for aftershocks following the main earthquake near Occidental Mindoro, with seismic stations and local officials keeping a close watch for additional tremors.
Reassessment confirms magnitude of 5.4 as the official figure
The latest measurement, after detailed review by specialists, confirmed the earthquake’s magnitude as 5.4. The depth remained approximately 14 kilometers, with the epicenter located southwest of Mamburao. Communities in Occidental and Oriental Mindoro experienced the strongest shaking. Weaker tremors extended to Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Metro Manila. The distribution of intensity levels demonstrated that a broad area across Luzon felt the earthquake on Friday morning.
The Philippines frequently experiences earthquakes, owing to numerous active tectonic boundaries surrounding and crossing the archipelago. National seismic monitoring stations continue tracking seismic activity and updating data as new information emerges. Friday’s earthquake, centered near Occidental Mindoro, caused widespread shaking, but initial assessments indicated no confirmed significant damage. Authorities remain vigilant for aftershocks, and the official magnitude remains 5.4, replacing the earlier, higher preliminary reading.