A magnitude 5.4 earthquake was recorded off the coast of Claveria, Masbate on the morning of Monday, July 13, 2026, generating strong shaking in parts of Masbate and lighter tremors felt across a wide area spanning Romblon, Sorsogon, Albay, Quezon, and Camarines Sur, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST).
PHIVOLCS does not expect the earthquake to cause damage. Aftershocks, however, are possible.
What Happened and Where
The earthquake struck at 8:54:02 AM Philippine Standard Time (PHT) and was centered 27 kilometers south-southwest of Claveria in the province of Masbate, at coordinates 12.77°N, 123.04°E. The depth of focus was 8 kilometers, classifying it as a shallow earthquake. Its origin was tectonic. The event was logged as Earthquake Information No. 3 by PHIVOLCS, with the bulletin issued at 1:04 PM PHT on the same day.
Where Shaking Was Felt
The strongest shaking was recorded in Claveria, Masbate, which registered Intensity V on the PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale. At this level, shaking is felt by nearly everyone; many are awakened if asleep, and some may run outdoors. Small objects may be displaced and liquids may spill.
Intensity III — strong enough for most people indoors to feel, with hanging objects swinging noticeably — was reported in the following areas:
- Aroroy, Baleno, and City of Masbate, Masbate
- Cajidiocan, Magdiwang, and San Fernando, Romblon
- City of Legazpi, Albay
- Bulan, Donsol, Juban, Magallanes, and City of Sorsogon, Sorsogon
Intensity II — felt by a few people, especially those at rest — was reported in:
- San Andres, Quezon
- City of Naga
Intensity I — perceptible only to sensitive individuals or those in upper floors — was reported in:
- Batuan, Mandaon, Palanas, and San Fernando, Masbate
- Romblon, Romblon
Instrumental Readings
In addition to reported felt intensities, PHIVOLCS recorded instrumental intensities — measured by seismic sensors rather than human observation — across a broader area:
Intensity III (instrumental): City of Legazpi, Albay; Aroroy, Masbate; Castilla, Donsol, and City of Sorsogon, Sorsogon.
Intensity II (instrumental): Mandaon, Masbate; Gumaca and Mulanay, Quezon; City of Ligao and City of Tabaco, Albay; City of Iriga, Pili, Ragay, and Sipocot, Camarines Sur.
Intensity I (instrumental): Batuan, Dimasalang, and San Fernando, Masbate; Odiongan, Romblon; Sagñay, Camarines Sur; Bulusan and Prieto Diaz, Sorsogon; Malinao, Aklan; City of Roxas, Capiz.
Damage and Aftershock Assessment
PHIVOLCS-DOST states that this earthquake is not expected to cause damage. However, the agency advises that aftershocks are expected. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to remain alert and to follow guidance from official sources.
Official Source and Monitoring
This bulletin — Earthquake Information No. 3 — was prepared by PHIVOLCS-DOST and issued at 1:04 PM PHT on July 13, 2026. PHIVOLCS notes this will be the only bulletin issued unless additional information becomes available. An epicentral map is included with the official bulletin.
Monitor official PHIVOLCS updates at phivolcs.dost.gov.ph.