MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A magnitude-7 earthquake hit southern Philippines at 2:57 p.m. local time (0657 GMT) Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

The epicenter of the quake was monitored at a depth of 485 kilometers, and 1,406 kilometers southeast of the southern Philippine city of General Santos, the institute said, warning of possible aftershocks.

The quake was of tectonic origin. No damage has been reported.

The Philippines sits in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, an area where continental plates collide, producing frequent quakes and volcanic activities.