Manila: A magnitude 5.2 earthquake jolted parts of Northern Luzon on Friday afternoon. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the earthquake's epicenter was located 11 km northwest of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

According to Philippines News Agency, the earthquake occurred at 4:14 p.m. and was of tectonic origin, with a depth of 10 km. Although no damage is expected, Phivolcs has advised the public to take extra precautions as aftershocks are anticipated.

Bacarra in Ilocos Norte experienced the tremor at Intensity III, while Claveria in Cagayan and San Nicolas in Ilocos Norte felt it at Intensity II. Vigan City in Ilocos Sur reported the earthquake at Intensity I. Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol noted that earthquakes are normal in the Philippines due to the presence of 180 active faults and six active trenches.

Interestingly, the earthquake occurred just hours after Ilocos Norte conducted a province-wide earthquake drill. In response to the tremor, employees of the Provincial Capitol were instructed to leave work early.