Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr., assured the public that the recent strong earthquakes that struck various parts of the country are not connected.
Several provinces, including Cebu, La Union, and Davao Oriental, were jolted by separate earthquakes over the past few weeks. However, PHIVOLCS emphasized that each quake originated from different active faults and occurred independently.
"Walang pattern at iyong mga nabanggit na lugar ay may kani-kaniyang mga sources ng earthquake or fault. ‘Yung sa Davao Philippine trench ang kumilos, sila po ay hindi magkaugnay, malalayo," Solidum explained during a live interview on DZRH.
Earlier, PHIVOLCS reiterated that the Philippines’ location within the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it naturally prone to frequent seismic activity. Despite the recent succession of tremors, experts described these events as normal geological occurrences.
"Walang makapagsasabi kung saan ang susunod na lindol. Ang buong bansa maliban sa Palawan Island ay talagang nakararanas ng malalakas na lindol dahil may mga faults sa mga lugar na nakapalibot sa Pilipinas at sa islands mismo ng bansa," Solidum noted.
Solidum also reminded the public that both land and underwater faults contribute to the country’s regular seismic activity.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH Balansyado on Friday, October 10, Solidum dismissed claims that the recent series of earthquakes across the country is connected to the feared "The Big One."
He clarified that the earthquakes recorded in Davao, Cebu, and La Union are not capable of triggering the West Valley Fault, emphasizing that each event originated from different fault systems.
The secretary also explained on average, the Philippines experiences around 30 earthquakes per day, most of which are too weak to be felt.
"Ang Pilipinas ay nakararanas ng 30 lindol araw-araw kaya puwedeng sabihin na nauuga tayo palagi pero ito naman ay normal tulad sa bansang Japan at Indonesia," he said.
"Kaya ang importante kahit ganito ang kondisyon kung ang ating mga bahay at building ay maayos ang pagkakagawa at sumunod sa building code hindi naman talaga delikado at protektado tayo sa mga ganoong kondisyon," he added.
Solidum urged Filipinos to stay alert and ensure that their homes and workplaces comply with safety standards to minimize the risks associated with future earthquakes.
