Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) says communities located along six active subduction trenches in the Philippines could experience earthquakes as strong as magnitude 8.2. In statements reported by Inquirer.net, Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol identifies the trenches as the Philippine Trench (stretching from East Luzon to Southeast Mindanao), the East Luzon Trough, the Manila Trench, the Negros Trench, the Sulu Trench, and the Cotabato Trench.
The warning follows an offshore earthquake of magnitude 7.8 that occurred Monday and affected parts of Mindanao. According to the reports, Phivolcs links that event to the Cotabato Trench. Bacolcol’s comments indicate that the potential for larger events is tied to the seismic hazard along these trench systems. The communications emphasize the maximum possible magnitude for areas along the trenches, rather than indicating that a specific magnitude earthquake is imminent.
The reports present the guidance as a preparedness warning grounded in the country’s known trench-related seismic risk.
