Lumindol sa Iloilo: 5.0-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Tigbauan, Felt Across Western Visayas
A magnitude 5.0 earthquake rattled Iloilo province on Monday evening, March 2, with the epicenter located just 2 kilometers southeast of Tigbauan at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the tremor at 6:13 PM.
The shaking was felt at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Jordan, Guimaras and Iloilo City, while Intensity III (weak) was reported in Valderrama and Culasi in Antique, Nueva Valencia in Guimaras, and Passi City. Lighter tremors were felt as far as Aklan, Capiz, Negros Occidental, and other parts of Antique.
Phivolcs confirmed the earthquake was tectonic in origin, caused by movement along an active fault in the area. The agency warned that aftershocks are still expected in the coming hours and days.
This is the latest significant quake to hit the Philippines in 2026, following the 5.7-magnitude earthquake that jolted Sultan Kudarat back in January. The Western Visayas region sits near several active fault lines, making it prone to seismic activity.
No casualties or major structural damage have been reported so far, but residents in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and follow standard earthquake safety protocols — duck, cover, and hold — especially during aftershocks.
Source: Manila Bulletin / PhilNews
