MANILA, Philippines - A magnitude 5.3 tectonic earthquake rocked parts of the Bicol region yesterday but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said the tremor struck at around 10:02 a.m. with its epicenter traced at 148 kilometers northeast of Virac, Catanduanes.
It was felt at Intensity 4 in Legazpi City, Camalig and Bacacay in Albay, and Intensity 3 in Viga and Virac, Catanduanes.
The quake, which had a depth of 35 kilometers, was generated by movements along the Philippine Trench.
Solidum said aftershocks are expected.
Last Jan. 11, a magnitude 3.9 tremor also jolted Albay and Catanduanes. – Helen Flores, Cet Dematera and Celso Amo