By CESAR JOLITO III

Following the magnitude 5.5 earthquake that struck 16 kilometers southeast of Negros Occidental’s Candoni town early yesterday morning, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) has reported no major damage within the town.

Candoni MDRRMO chief Eric John Monserate said no private establishments have reported damages as of their latest monitoring.

However, initial reports indicate minor cracks in some school buildings, which are now being assessed by local authorities.

Mayor Ray Ruiz said that inspections are ongoing, with teams from the Municipal Engineering Office checking the structural integrity of public buildings and facilities.

He confirmed that the earthquake at 3:06 a.m. yesterday was felt in the municipality but only lasted briefly.

Ruiz also assured residents that schools designated as evacuation centers remain safe for use, both in light of the earthquake and the approaching Typhoon “Tino.”/CJ, WDJ