Manila: A magnitude 6.1 earthquake shook provinces southeast of Manila in eastern Luzon in the early hours of Thursday, with the epicentre in Masbate island, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The epicenter was identified as the waters between Masbate and Sorsogon provinces, in the Bicol region. There were no immediate reports of damage, or casualties.

Intensity 5.3 was felt in neighbouring central Visayas region, Albay and Camarines Sur.

Earlier, a magnitude 4.8 quake was detected on Wednesday at 5.18 pm in the same area, Phivolcs reported. The Philippines lies in the the so-called “ring of fire” often beset by quakes and strong typhoons.