Two quakes rattle Philippine city

MASBATE CITY, Philippines, March 6 (UPI) -- Two earthquakes hit the Philippines' Bicol region, injuring at least nine people, damaging buildings and sending residents into the streets, officials said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the first quake, with a magnitude of 5.2, struck less than 2 miles north of Masbate City, and the second, a 3.7-magnitude quake, struck in nearly the same location about seven minutes later, The Philippine Star reported.

Masbate City Mayor Socrates Tuason said he hadn't received any reports of deaths so far.

Tuason said several buildings in the city had cracks after the earthquakes. He said inspectors were examining buildings to ensure their safety.

Children who were going to school at the time of the jolts were panicked, Masbate Vice Governor Vince Revil said. Morning classes were canceled.