MANILA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- A mild earthquake measuring magnitude 4.4 shook southern Philippine island of Mindanao before dawn Saturday, local media reported.

    The earthquake's epicenter was about 130 kilometers southeast of General Santos city, or 270 kilometers south of Davao city, a report by GMA TV quoted the United States Geological Service as saying.

    No injury or damage to property was reported as of press time.

    The Philippines is part of the so-called "Ring of Fire" of volcanic islands along the western rim of the Pacific Ocean that sit on unstable earth plates and are prone to earthquakes.

    Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded at least 10 quakes every day in the country, but most are too gentle to be felt by humans.