The EMSC (European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre) said the epicentre was at a depth of 40 kilometres. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
The Philippines are located in the so-called Ring of Fire quake zone where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
The Philippine Trench, located in the Pacific to the east of the islands, is a submarine trench with subducting tectonic activity.
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