Moderate quake jolts Southern Mindanao

DAVAO CITY — A moderate earthquake struck Southern Mindanao at about 3 p.m. yesterday, its epicenter located in the eastern coast of Davao Oriental.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the earthquake registered a magnitude of 4.5 on the Richter scale and was tectonic in origin. Its epicenter was traced 55 kilometers east off the capital town of Mati.

"We also don’t expect any damage at all. The quake did not cause any tsunami," the Phivolcs’ Region 11 office said.

The temblor was felt at Intensity 4 in Mati, 3 in Davao City and its environs, and 2 in Koronadal, South Cotabato and in the cities of General Santos and Kidapawan. — Edith Regalado, Felix de los Santos