By Ellalyn de Vera-Ruiz and MB Online

A moderately strong earthquake measuring 5.5-magnitude on the Richter scale rocked Quezon province early Thursday.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake was felt around 4:52 a.m. and was traced 42 kilometers northeast of Jumalig town in Quezon province.

It was felt as a “moderately strong” tremor at Intensity IV in Guinayangan, Quezon; and “slight” shaking at Intensity II in Marikina City, Navotas City, and Quezon City. Meanwhile, it was “scarcely perceptible” at Intensity I in Muntinlupa City.

Phivolcs’ instruments also recorded the earthquake at Intensity IV in Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte; and Intensity III or “weak” tremor in Pili, Camarines Sur; Mauban, Lopez, and Mulanay, Quezon.

The earthquake was also registered at Intensity II in Malolos City in Bulacan, Gumaca, and Dolores in Quezon province, and Baler, Aurora.

Meanwhile, it was documented at Intensity I in Iriga City, Camarines Sur; Malabon City; San Juan City; Pasig City; Guagua, Pampanga; Talisay, Batangas; and Palayan City in Nueva Ecija.

Phivolcs said the quake was tectonic in origin, which means the tremor was caused by the movement of an active fault in the area.

Likewise, the tremor was shallow at a depth of 7 kilometers, thus the strong shaking.

While damage to property is not expected, Phivolcs said aftershocks are likely to occur.

The 5.5-magnitude earthquake occurred days after a series of destructive tremors jolted Central and Southern Mindanao.

Quake drills

With the series of tremors hitting the country, the Department of National Defense (DND) has recommended the holding of more earthquake drills around the country to prepare the public when another one strikes.

Presidential spokesman Savador Panelo said Defense officials made the recommendation during the Wednesday evening Cabinet meeting in Malacañang where they updated President Duterte on the developments in Mindanao following the series of destructive quakes there.

“To raise awareness and prepare the public for similar disasters in the future, carrying out of more earthquake drills has been recommended,” Panelo said Thursday morning.

Undersecretary Renato Solidum, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), briefed the Cabinet on the series of earthquakes in Mindanao.

National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) chairperson Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad discussed the damages, casualties, and government action.

Panelo said the defense officials recommended the sustainment of relief operations, improvement of facilities used as evacuation centers, construction of temporary shelters and permanent housing, repair and reconstruction of damaged schools, provision of livelihood and training assistance to families, provision of loan assistance, and the conduct of post-disaster needs assessment.

Over the weekend, Lorenzana was tasked to lead all relief efforts and to ensure the safety and security of the public in the earthquake-stricken areas of Mindanao,” he said.

The public was also advised to coordinate directly with the DND and/or the NDRRMC to ensure the efficient conduct of relief efforts, including the distribution of relief goods and rescue operations.

Tulunan, North Cotabato was hit by three strong earthquakes on October 16, October 29, and October 31. Sarangani was jolted by 5.5-magnitude and 4.4-magnitude quakes on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar assured that the national government is on top of the situation following the series of earthquakes in Mindanao.

He said all response teams from disaster risk management agencies of the national government were on top of the situation.

Andanar said President Duterte ordered all government agencies to check and submit a report about the Mindanao earthquake to ensure government buildings and public school buildings are safe and that evacuees have been moved to safe areas.

The Department of Energy (DOE) was tasked to check power interruptions in the areas affected while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will check whether roads or highways are passable or not.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) was tasked to report job displacements of workers in affected areas and provide necessary assistance.

The President also tasked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH) to be in charge of relief and medical assistance. (With a report from Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)

READ MORE: DND wants more earthquake drills to prepare public