6.9-magnitude quake rattles Philippines

 An earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck the island of Mindanao in southern Philippines on Sunday.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the quake, which struck at 2.11 p.m., hit 6 km northwest of Padada town, Davao del Sur province, with a depth of 30 km, reports Xinhua news agency.

The quake, which was tectonic in origin, will trigger aftershocks and damage, it added.

There was no immediate reports of damages or casualties.

The Philippines has frequent seismic activity due to its location along the "Pacific Ring of Fire".IANS