5.9 quake jolts Philippines; 23 injured

An earthquake of 5.9 magnitude rocked southern Philippines on Friday, causing widespread panic and injuring at least 23 people in different incidents, including a stampede.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the epicentre of the tremor that hit on Friday afternoon was recorded west of Dinagat Islands in southern Philippines.

At least 20 people were injured when panic struck a mall with shoppers packed with people causing a stampede. The incident happened in Surigao City, the provincial capital of Surigao del Norte.

Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas said 20 people were injured. Glass panels were also shattered but it was not immediately clear if the damage happened as a result of the quake or due to panicked shoppers.

Matugas said 3 others were hurt in a gymnasium where a cable broke.