Philippine trench activity linked to strong Mindanao earthquake

The magnitude 6.0 earthquake that hit San Agustin, Surigao del Sur on Monday morning might be due to an activity within the Philippine trench, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

“Mayroon pong faults na malapit po doon and isa rin sa earthquake generators na gumagalaw diyan ay ‘yong Philippine Trench,” PHIVOLCS director Renato Solidum said in Oscar Oida’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday.

The quake occurred at 6:37 a.m. on Monday. Its epicenter was located at 08.64°N, 126.47°E - 029 kilometers S 67° E of San Agustin.

The tectonic earthquake has a depth of focus of 33 km.

PHIVOLCS earlier reported the quake as magnitude 6.4, but then downgraded it to magnitude 6.0.

No casualties and injuries were reported.

Earlier, Surigao Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Abel de Guzman said some school buildings in the province were found to have cracks after the quake. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News