Magnitude 5.5 quake hits Quezon province

A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck 36 kilometers northeast of Jomalig in Quezon province early Thursday morning, PHIVOLCS reported.

The quake, seven kilometers in depth and tectonic in origin, occurred at 4:52 a.m.

An Intensity IV quake was felt in Guinayangan, Quezon province. Intensity II was felt in Marikina City; Navotas City; and Quezon City while Intensity I was felt in Muntinlupa City.

PHIVOLCS said no damages are expected but aftershocks may occur.

In October, three strong quakes hit the southern Philippine region of Mindanao, killing more than 20 people and displacing thousands more, according to official data. 

Earthquakes are common in the Philippines, which is on the geologically active Pacific Ring of Fire. 

Not connected

According to PHIVOLCS director Renato Solidum, the magnitude 5.5 quake in Quezon is not connected to the series of tremors that struck Mindanao.

"Hindi po sila magkaugnay. Masyado na pong malayo para ma-trigger ng paggalaw ng fault sa Mindanao 'yung lindol kanina sa may bandang Jomalig, Quezon," Solidum said in an interview on Unang Balita.

As of 7 a.m., seven aftershocks have been recorded in Quezon.

Solidum said local faults may have caused the quake.

"Diyan po sa paligid ng Polillo Island at northeast ng Jomalig may mga local faults po sa ilalim ng dagat at meron po diyang mas malaking fault sa unahan pa nito," he said.

Solidum said these faults are not linked to the West Valley Fault which is projected to cause the still hypothetical "Big One."

However, he still reminded the public to remain vigilant and not to panic in case of earthquakes.

On November 14, a national simultaneous earthquake drill will be conducted at 9 a.m., according to Solidum. — with Dona Magsino/BAP/KBK, GMA News