Quake jolts Metro Manila, Luzon

MANILA, Philippines - A magnitude-5.4 earthquake jolted parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, last night.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the tremor was recorded at 8:58 p.m., with its epicenter traced some seven kilometers northwest of Tingloy, Batangas.

It was felt at Intensity 4 in Makati City and Obando, Bulacan; Intensity 3 in Mandaluyong City; Quezon City; Santa Ana, Manila; Gen. Trias and Dasmariñas, Cavite, and Lucena City, Quezon; and Intensity 2 in Pasig City and Talisay, Batangas.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said no damage was expected from the tremor, but warned of possible aftershocks.

Following the earthquake, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has assured the public that it is coordinating with the various provinces affected to determine possible casualties or damage.

“Our monitoring on the aftermath of this earthquake is continuous. We advise residents of affected areas to always have that preparedness in their families. Avoid parts of your home that might have falling objects during a strong shaking movement,” NDRRMC spokesperson Mina Marasigan said in a short interview over dzMM.

Phivolcs has a long-standing warning that Metro Manila and surrounding areas are ripe for “the big one” along the  West and East Valley Faults.

The fault runs from Marikina to Laguna, cutting through parts of eastern and southern Metro Manila.