By CESAR JOLITO III

Two earthquakes struck Negros Occidental’s Sipalay City yesterday morning, prompting the temporary suspension of morning classes in some public schools in nearby localities.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the first tremor occurred at 5:58 a.m. with a magnitude of 3.5, a depth of three kilometers, and was tectonic in origin.

It was followed by a stronger magnitude 5.1 quake at 8:04 a.m., with a depth of 11 kilometers, also tectonic in nature.

The second quake was felt as Intensity 2 in Iloilo City and Intensity 1 in Bago City.

The tremors were recorded in Toboso town.

Phivolcs clarified the recent earthquakes were caused by different fault lines, dismissing speculations that they were geologically connected.

Ptolemy Mañego, science research assistant at the Phivolcs Kanlaon Volcano Observatory in La Carlota City, said the quakes serve as a reminder that Negros and nearby provinces remain seismically active, urging the public to stay alert and follow safety advisories from authorities.

“These are natural tectonic movements, and while not connected, they highlight the need for continued preparedness,” Mañego added.

As of press time, no casualties or significant structural damage had been reported in Sipalay and nearby areas.

No tsunami alert was issued, but residents were advised to stay alert for possible aftershocks.

In the wake of the quake, educational institutions across southern Negros Occidental swiftly implemented their disaster preparedness plans, evacuating students to designated open spaces.

Several schools suspended morning classes to allow a full inspection before resuming operations.

School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management teams immediately conducted structural assessments to ensure the safety of classrooms and buildings.

Authorities reminded residents to review their household emergency plans and remain cautious, especially in earthquake-prone zones./CJ, WDJ