A 6.0 magnitude earthquake hit the Philippines on Thursday, the Seismology Institute reported.

The quake was centered just west of Manila and shook buildings in the capital city for about 30 seconds.

No immediate reports of damage or serious injuries and no tsunami alerts were issued.

"Essentially, this would not trigger significant damage," said Seismology Institute Director Renato Solidum.

Parts of the Philippines lie on the Pacific Ring of Fire where earthquakes are common.

The last major earthquake to strike the area took place in 1990. The 7.7 temblor left 2,000 people dead on the main northern island of Luzon.