The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reiterated that a major movement along the West Valley Fault—known as the potential source of the “Big One” magnitude 7.2 earthquake—is inevitable but not imminent.
Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol explained that the fault last moved in 1658 and typically shifts every 400 to 600 years, making the country “ripe” for another major quake around the mid-21st century.
He clarified, however, that this is not a prediction, but part of the fault’s natural long-term cycle. Bacolcol urged the public to focus on preparedness and planning, emphasizing earthquake drills, structural reinforcement, and emergency kits.
He also noted that recent tremors in La Union, Zambales, Cebu, Surigao, and Davao were unrelated to the West Valley Fault and are normal in a tectonically active country like the Philippines.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 14, 2025
