4.7 quake rocks Bohol; Cebu capitol suspends work

MANILA, Philippines — A magnitude 4.7 tectonic earthquake was recorded Monday morning off Buenavista, Bohol, causing strong ground shaking in nearby areas.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said in an advisory that the quake hit 8 kilometers southeast of Buenavista at 9:47 a.m. with a depth of 3 kilometers.

It affected San Miguel town with Intensity 5 shaking, considered as "strong."

An Intensity 5 movement is generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors, while hanging objects swing violently, according to the bureau's earthquake intensity scale.

Lapu-Lapu City and Buenavista, meanwhile, experienced Intensity 4 quakes.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III suspended afternoon work at the capitol following the earthquake.

"Skeletal force to stay in office and [will] check buildings for possible damage," an advisory released by the provincial government stated.

Intensity 3 tremors affected Iloilo City, Bogo City in Cebu, Tagbilaran City and Bacolod City, while President Roxas town in Capiz experienced Intensity 1 seisms.

No aftershocks are expected while no damage and injuries have been reported as of press time.