MAGNITUDE 5.5 EARTHQUAKE JOLTS EASTERN SAMAR

A MAGNITUDE 5.5 earthquake occurred early Saturday morning in Eastern Samar where Intensity 4 was felt in at least four of its towns and adjoining areas, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Phivolcs in its 5 a.m. advisory said the tremor took place around 4:25 a.m. some 14 kilometers northwest of Homonhon Island (Guiuan), also in the same province. Tectonic in origin, it had a depth of focus of 80 km, it added. Phivolcs said Intensity 4 was felt by residents in Guiuan, Lawaan, Mercedes and Salcedo, Eastern Samar; Abuyog, Alangalang, City of Baybay, Dulag, Javier, La Paz, Palo, Santa Fe, Tabontabon, Tanauan and Tolosa, Leyte; and San Francisco, Southern Leyte. Intensity 3 was felt in General MacArthur, Eastern Samar; Babatngon, Barugo, Leyte, Pastrana and Tunga, Leyte; and the City of Tacloban while Intensity 2 in Maydolong, Eastern Samar; Albuera, Leyte; and Ormoc City; and Intensity 1 in Cebu City. Meanwhile, Instrumental Intensity 4 was recorded in Quinapondan, Eastern Samar; Abuyog, City of Baybay, Dulag and La Paz, Leyte while Intensity 3 over Alangalang, and Albuera, Leyte; and Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. Phivolcs said Intensity 2 was recorded in Talibon, Bohol; Calubian, and Palo, Leyte; Ormoc City; Marabut, Samar; and City of Maasin, Southern Leyte while Intensity 1 in Argao and City of Bogo, Cebu; Isabel, Leyte; and Rosario and San Roque, Northern Samar. State seismologists said that while damage to property is not expected, aftershocks can be felt from the latest tremor.