Moderate quake detected off southern Mindanao

A 6.2-magnitude earthquake was detected off the southern coast of Mindanao island before noon yesterday but caused no damage or panic, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The quake took place at 11:03 a.m. and was tectonic in origin. The epicenter was located at 272 kilometers southeast of General Santos City.

The quake was felt at Intesity 3 in General Santos City and Intensity 2 in Davao.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said the quake was caused by a movement along the Sangihe Trench. Aftershocks are expected but mostly will be not felt.

At least 20 quakes hit the Philippines daily but most are not felt. Last Friday, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake jolted Southern Luzon and Metro Manila, which was followed by more than a hundred aftershocks, seven of which were felt. — Helen Flores