A magnitude 5.2 earthquake shook parts of the Visayas region on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The tremor occurred at 3:37 PM with a depth of 18 kilometers and was tectonic in origin.
Phivolcs pinpointed the epicenter two kilometers northeast of Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.
The quake was felt at Intensity V in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.
Other reported intensities include Intensity III in San Jose de Buenavista and Hamtic in Antique, Iloilo City, and Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.
Intensity II was recorded in Sibulan, Negros Occidental.
Instrumental intensities measured Intensity IV in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, Intensity III in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, and Intensity I in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
Phivolcs emphasized that the earthquake was tectonic, caused by the movement of the Earth’s crust.
The Philippines, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences tectonic earthquakes due to active faults and subduction zones.
Tectonic earthquakes, like this recent one, are the most common type in the country, often occurring along fault lines or as a result of plate movements.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant for possible aftershocks.