Strong earthquake jolts Metro Manila, Quezon

MANILA, Philippines — Several government offices conducted an emergency evacuation yesterday after a magnitude 4.6 earthquake jolted Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

In Manila, employees of the Commission on Elections evacuated the Comelec building in Intramuros as the temblor was felt at past 12 p.m.

The random manual audit being undertaken by the Comelec and poll watchdogs proceeded despite the earthquake.

In Mandaluyong, overseas Filipino workers and employees of the Department of Migrant Workers rushed out of the DMW office.

Personnel of the DMW returned to work after security officers declared the building safe.

At the Senate, a hearing of the committee on public services chaired by Sen. Raffy Tulfo was cut short because of the earthquake and subsequent evacuation of employees.

The National Bureau of Investigation also evacuated its personnel, NBI chief Jaime Santiago said.

The earthquake, initially announced as magnitude 5.1, struck off the coast of Quezon province at 12:17 p.m., according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the temblor was felt at Intensity IV in Makati, Manila and Marikina as well as San Pedro, Laguna and Tanay, Rizal.

Other areas that reported moderate shaking or Intensity III include Navotas, Quezon City, Pasay, San Juan and Taguig.

Light tremors were reported in Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Parañaque and Valenzuela.

The Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2 halted operations as a safety measure following the earthquake. No damage or injuries have been reported.

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines suspended classes and work in its Sta. Mesa campus. — Mark Ernest Villeza, Mayen Jaymalin, Bella Cariaso