OCCIDENTAL MINDORO / RankWire.AI / – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, known as PHIVOLCS, confirmed a magnitude 5.4 tremor occurred near Occidental Mindoro early on Friday, causing noticeable vibrations across parts of Luzon and Metro Manila. The seismic event’s epicenter was identified approximately 13 kilometers southwest of Mamburao, the provincial capital. The quake originated from tectonic shifts and had a depth of roughly 14 kilometers.
Initially, authorities listed the earthquake as magnitude 5.8, but subsequent analysis revised the figure to 5.4. PHIVOLCS warned that aftershocks might follow the main event. Their initial evaluation did not anticipate significant damage. During late morning hours, residents throughout Mindoro reported clear shaking, while milder tremors extended to neighboring provinces. The impact also reached parts of the capital region, over 100 kilometers from the closest point to the epicenter.
In Mamburao, Intensity 5 shaking was reported, along with several communities within Oriental Mindoro. The cities of Calapan, Naujan, Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, and Victoria all experienced the same level of intensity. Taal in Batangas and towns like Abra de Ilog and Sablayan in Occidental Mindoro faced intensity 4. Seismic instruments registered Intensity 5 in both Mamburao and Puerto Galera, with the most pronounced ground movements concentrated across Mindoro communities.
Extension of Tremors into Metro Manila
The seismic activity was felt in Metro Manila and several northern provinces. Seismometers recorded Intensity 3 in Quezon City, Batangas City, Calapan City, and Victoria. Meanwhile, General Trias in Cavite and San Pedro in Laguna also registered intensity 3. Some residents in Manila evacuated outdoor as a precaution during the shaking. Normal operations resumed once the tremor subsided, and authorities continued inspections across affected areas.
Communities in the wider Luzon region experienced lower seismic readings. Parañaque City recorded intensity 2, as did Santa Cruz in Laguna and Guinayangan in Quezon. Variations in ground motion were reflected in these readings, with no immediate reports of major structural damage from officials. After the initial quake, monitoring persisted as local authorities and seismic stations kept watch for additional tremors near Occidental Mindoro.
Official Magnitude Update Reflects Slight Reduction
Following review by experts, the earthquake’s magnitude was officially adjusted to 5.4. The depth was confirmed at about 14 kilometers, with the epicenter located southwest of Mamburao. The strongest shaking was felt in communities across Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, with weaker tremors reaching Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Metro Manila. The distribution of intensity levels indicated that a broad area of Luzon experienced the effects of this Friday morning seismic event.
Frequent earthquakes are characteristic of the Philippines, which is surrounded by multiple active tectonic boundaries. Seismic stations nationwide continuously monitor these events and update data as more information becomes available. While the earthquake near Occidental Mindoro caused widespread shaking, initial assessments did not confirm significant structural damage. Authorities are monitoring for aftershocks, and the official magnitude remains at 5.4, replacing the earlier preliminary reading of a stronger magnitude shortly after the event.