THE magnitude 6.6 earthquake that struck near Cotabato Tuesday, October 29, was felt in Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental, but caused only slight damage to properties based on initial reports.

The quake, which was shallow at seven kilometers and tectonic in origin, was plotted at 25 kilometers southeast of Tulunan, Cotabato, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

It was the second earthquake to occur in the same area in less than two weeks.

In Cagayan de Oro City, cracks were noticed in some business establishments.

Ayala Centrio mall suspended its operations after reports of falling debris from a call center building. One person was rushed to an ambulance due to panic attack.

The mall administration reported that five employees were rescued, but none were injured.

The state-run University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, through its president Ambrosio Cultura II, also suspended classes and work before noon Tuesday. The school has a population of around 10,000 in its Cagayan de Oro campus alone.

Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School, Cagayan de Oro's most populous public school, also suspended classes.

Meanwhile, aftershocks continue to cause concern among residents, but officials have guaranteed the public's safety. (SunStar Cagayan de Oro)