By Arabella Balderama

On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, a magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Lubang, Occidental Mindoro, bringing tremor to different parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the tectonic movement hit seven kilometers (km) south of Lubang, with a depth of 79 km. 

The shaking prompted workers, students, government officials, and residents to evacuate their respective buildings. 

Transport operations were also put to halt momentarily, specifically in the Philippine National Railway, Metro Rail Transit Line 3, as well as Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2.

Meanwhile, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s runways, taxiway pavements, and terminal facilities had no reported casualties as stated by the Manila International Airport Authority.

Despite having no damages, PHIVOLCS still warned the public about possible aftershocks.

Recorded intensities

Intensity V (strong) – Lubang, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

Intensity IV (moderately strong) – Makati City; Quezon City; Taguig City; Malolos, Meycauayan, Obando, and Plaridel, Bulacan; Floridablanca, Pampanga; San Jose, Batangas; Tagaytay, Cavite

Intensity III (weak) – Caloocan City; Pasig City; Cuenca,and Talisay, Batangas; Bacoor and General Trias, Cavite; Rodriguez, Rizal; Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro

Intensity II (slightly felt) – Marikina City; San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan; Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija; Lucban, Quezon; San Mateo, Rizal; Odiongan, Romblon

Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) – San Fernando, Pampanga; City of San Pedro, Laguna; Mauban, Quezon

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