Magnitude 5.1 Quake Shakes Parts of Bicol

A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck parts of Bicol region close to midnight Wednesday, according to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the quake occurred at 11:55 p.m. and the epicenter was traced 18 kilometers northeast of Rapu-rapu, Albay.

Phivolcs noted that intensity 3 was felt in Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon and Legazpi City while Intensity 2 in Sorsogon City.

There was no reported damage.

The quake which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of 16 kilometers.

At 1 a.m. Thursday, a magnitude 4.7 quake jolted Albay anew with the epicenter traced 21 kilometers southeast of Rapu-rapu, Albay.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, had a depth of six kilometers.

The Philippines lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where 20 to 25 earthquakes per day — mostly imperceptible — are common, Phivolcs said. (PNA) FFC/LAM/CLTC/NIRIZA MAE A. BARQUILLA-OJT