MASBATE, Philippines (Update 2) - A magnitude 5.2 quake was recorded in Masbate 
and its nearby areas, early morning of Tuesday, March 6, 2012. The epicenter was determined to be three kilometers north of Masbate at 23 kilometers in depth and the quake was tectonic in origin.
The quake registered an intensity six and five in Masbate City and intensity four in Sorsogon City. Meanwhile, it was felt at intensity three in Roxas City and intensity two in Legaspi City.
Masbate City Mayor Socrates Tuason told reporters that there have only been small-scale damage, such as wall cracks and no single building has collapsed.
As of 8 a.m., there have been no reports of casualties nor injuries. Local authorities are currently coordinating with the Philippine National Police and the Army to gather reports from around Masbate, particularly from areas known for mining, as shafts may have collapsed.
No reports yet were given regarding the status of power supply and utilities in Masbate, said Revil.
Aftershocks
According to Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum, there was an aftershock in Masbate which registered 3.5 in Ritcher Scale, seven minutes after the quake. An aftershock of intensity 2 also occurred in Roxas City.
Solidum said it was only coincidental that there have been recent quakes occurring close to each other. “The other quakes did not cause the movement of other faults.”
In February, moderately strong earthquakes struck Negros and Eastern Samar, causing some panic among residents.
