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A magnitude-5.5 quake rocked the Bicol area early Saturday, with state seismologists warning of possible aftershocks.

But Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) head Renato Solidum Jr. allayed fears of a tsunami or damage to property resulting from the quake.

"Hindi ganoon kalakas ang lindol para magdulot ng kapinsalaan. Ang estimated intensity diyan III lang, kailangan Intensity VI para magkaroon ng damage (The quake was not that powerful to cause damage. The initial intensity we measured was III. There would be damage expected if the quake were Intensity VI)," Solidum said in an interview on dzBB radio.

Citing initial reports reaching him, Solidum said the quake occurred at 8:17 a.m., with the epicenter near Catanduanes.

Phivolcs' initial bulletin said the epicenter was 62 km southeast of Virac, Catanduanes.

Solidum said the quake was felt at Intensity III in Virac and Virac and Baras towns; Intensity II in Irosin in Sorsogon; and Intensity I in Legazpi City, Albay.

Also he said: "Aftershocks from the quake are possible."
Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey measured the quake at magnitude 5.5.

It estimated the epicenter at:

— LBG, GMA News