• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Friday (May 23) the occurrence of the series of earthquakes in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental and even in the neighboring areas was tectonic in origin and not “unusual”.
Teresito Bacolcol, Phivolcs chief, said the earthquakes were due to the existence of the Negros Trench, where a tectonic activity generates earthquakes.
On May 17, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake was recorded off Sipalay City, according to Phivolcs.
If there is an earthquake at the Negros Trench, it can be felt in Sipalay City, Bacolcol said.
Phivolcs also reiterated that the earthquakes in Sipalay City has nothing to do with the ongoing restiveness of Kanlaon Volcano.
Bacolcol also said the frequent earthquakes in Sipalay City is not a precursor to any possible devastating event or activity. | GB
