• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) yesterday explained that the occurrence of a series of earthquakes in Sipalay City and neighboring areas, were tectonic in origin, stressing also that it is not unusual.
Teresito Bacolcol, PHIVOLCS chief, said that the earthquakes that occurred in Sipalay were due to the existence of the Negros trench, particularly on its western side, where tectonic activity generated earthquakes.
On May 17, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake was recorded off Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, according to PHIVOLCS.
If there is an earthquake at the Negros trench, it can be felt in Sipalay City, Bacolcol said, as he emphasized that it is not unusual.
PHIVOLCS also reiterated that the earthquakes in Sipalay City had nothing to do with the ongoing restiveness of Kanlaon Volcano.
Bacolcol also stressed that the frequent earthquakes in Sipalay City are not a precursor to any possible devastating activity.*
