Strong quakes jolt Mindanao areas

MANILA, Philippines — Two earthquakes, the strongest registering a magnitude of 6.1, hit Magsaysay, Davao del Sur yesterday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The magnitude-6.1 temblor occurred at 12:22 p.m., with its epicenter located five kilometers southwest of Magsaysay.

Phivolcs warned of possible damage and aftershocks.

The quake was felt at Intensity 5 in Arakan, Carmen, Kabacan, Makilala and M’Lang as well as in the city of Kidapawan, all in North Cotabato; Koronadal City and Banga, both in South Cotabato; Matalam town in Cotabato, and in Bansalan, Hagonoy, Magsaysay and Sta. Cruz, all in Davao del Sur.

Intensity 4 was felt in Davao City; Banisilan and Midsayap, both in North Cotabato; Don Carlos, in Bukidnon; Polomok, Sto. Nino and Norala, all in South Cotabato; Alabel, Kiamba and Malapatan, all in Saranggani, and Palimbang and Tacurong, both in Sultan Kudarat.

The US Geological Survey said the epicenter of the quake was in Bansalan and not Magsaysay.

Maj. Peter Glen Ipong, Bansalan police chief described the quake as “strong,” but no major damage was reported.

Phivolcs classifies quakes with Intensities 5, and 4 as strong and moderately strong, respectively.

Earlier in the day, a magnitude-4.8 quake struck six kilometers northwest of Magsaysay.

The temblor, which occurred at 7:28 a.m., was felt at Intensity 4 in Makilala, Cotabato.

Intensity 3 was felt in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur; Davao City; Kidapawan City and Tulunan, both in Cotabato and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat. — John Unson