Two weak earthquakes struck Burgos, Ilocos Norte minutes apart on late Friday afternoon with no damages expected, but aftershocks were likely from the first tremor, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
The first quake was recorded at 4:14 p.m. about 25 kilometers northwest of Burgos, where nearly 11,000 people are residing. It was a relatively shallow offshore tremor measured at five kilometers deep. It was initially reported at magnitude 5.2, but was later downgraded to 5.0.
People from Burgos and Bangui felt it at Intensity 3 while those in Bacarra, Pasiquin and San Nicolas in Ilocos Norte as well as Sinait, Ilocos Sur slightly felt it at Intensity 2. Instrumental intensities were listed in Claveria, Cagayan and Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Another earthquake struck by 4:31 p.m., this time traced about 26 kilometers southwest of Burgos at nine kilometers deep. It was initially measured at magnitude 5.0, but was also downgraded to 4.7 after validation.
The tremor was barely felt by residents in Baccara, Adams, Laoag City, Pinili, Pagudpud, and San Nicolas in Ilocos Norte, as well as Sinait, Ilocos Sur. Both quakes were tectonic in origin and likely caused by a movement of the Manila Trench.
