Magnitude 5.1 quake jolts Batangas

MANILA, Philippines —   A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Batangas at past midnight yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the quake occurred at 12:43 a.m. and its epicenter was located two kilometers northeast of Calaca. It was tectonic in origin.

The temblor was felt at Intensities 3 and 2 in Quezon City and Makati, respectively.

Instrumental Intensity 4 was recorded in Sta. Teresita, Lemery and Cuenca in Batangas; Carmona in Cavite and Guinayangan in  Quezon province as well as in Muntinlupa City.

Instrumental Intensity 3 was recorded in Bauan, Batangas City and Nasugbu in Batangas, while Intensity 2 was logged in Abucay, Bataan; Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas; Trece Martires, Naic, Ternate and Bacoor in Cavite, and San Pedro, Laguna.

State seismologists said the quake was expected to cause damage to property, but may not generate aftershocks.

Calaca Mayor Nas Ona ordered the immediate inspection of power plants, commercial establishments, schools and churches for any damage.

“No damage was reported in the plants, and operations were temporarily halted to allow a thorough inspection,” the city government said in a post on social media. 

Schools and classrooms were checked for safety before students were allowed to return to classes.

“Only minor damage was recorded and no suspension of classes was implemented,” the city government said.