File photo for reference only

 

On May 27, a magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck General Nakar in Quezon Province, felt across various nearby regions including Metro Manila. Thankfully, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) confirmed no significant damage or injuries following the mild tremors.

 

According to a statement from the OCD, while residents experienced noticeable shaking—more pronounced in parts of Manila, Pasay, and Marikina—there have been no reports of structural damage. Initial reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) pegged the quake at a magnitude of 5.1, which was later adjusted to 4.6. The epicenter was identified approximately 24 kilometers north-northwest of General Nakar, occurring at a shallow depth of six kilometres and classified as tectonic in origin.

 

The earthquake affected multiple areas with varying intensity levels. Olongapo City and Dingalan in Aurora felt Intensity I tremors. Intensity II was registered in several regions, including parts of Bulacan and cities such as Las Piñas, Parañaque, Taguig, and Mandaluyong. Further north, Bulacan and Pampanga experienced Intensity III shaking, while Intensity IV was recorded in Manila, Pasay, and Marikina.

 

In response to the seismic event, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) convened an emergency meeting via video teleconference. Attendees included representatives from OCD regional offices in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa, who assessed the quake's impact and reviewed the safety of critical infrastructure like Ipo and Angat dams in Central Luzon.

 

With regions on alert for possible aftershocks, the OCD urged residents to remain calm and vigilant. It stressed the importance of preparedness, advising the public to follow official updates and directives from government agencies.

 

Despite the initial scare, the earthquake serves as a reminder of the region's seismic activity, underscoring the need for ongoing readiness and resilience in face of natural occurrences.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-05-27

 

 

Anyone know what the general construction safety standards are like in the Philippines?  I'm coming at this from the viewpoint of the various issues seen recently in Thailand, especially that Audit Office collapse.