Magnitude 6 earthquake rocks central Mindanao

(Update 9:00 PM) A magnitude-5.9 earthquake shook the central Mindanao region Monday evening, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported. No immediate damage or casualties were reported, although worried residents in Marawi City said it was much stronger than previous earthquakes. The temblor was centered some 52 kilometers southwest of Cotabato and occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Monday, GMA News’s 24 Oras said, quoting Phivolcs. Intensity III was felt in Zamboanga City while intensity II was recorded in North Cotabato. Aftershocks are possible, Phivolcs said, but these are not expected to cause major damage. Magnitude 6 to 7 quakes are considered "strong earthquakes" often accompanied by local damage near the epicenters, according to Phivolcs. Resident of nearby cities have likewise reported experiencing tremors. Facebook users from Malabang town in Lanao del Sur, as well as from the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Pagadian and Koronadal said the quake was also felt in their areas. Their comments were posted on the Facebook account of GMANews.TV. - YA, JMA, RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV