ILOILO City – The series of earthquakes that rattled Antique and were felt across Panay Island from late Sunday night to early Monday were triggered by the Negros Trench, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
The strongest tremor, a magnitude 4.7, struck off Anini-y, Antique at 11:34 p.m. on June 14.
The Negros Trench is an offshore earthquake generator known for producing recurring seismic activity, said Engr. Rey Antioquia of PHIVOLCS-Roxas City.
He also said it is impossible to predict when the next movement will occur.
In PHIVOLCS Earthquake Information (Bulletin) No. 1, the magnitude 4.7 earthquake had a depth of 10 kilometers and was located at 10.21°N, 122.18°E, or about 36 kilometers southeast of Anini-y.
The quake was felt in several areas across Western Visayas and Negros Occidental.
Reported intensities were:
* Intensity III – Sipalay City, Negros Occidental
* Intensity II – Bago City, Negros Occidental; Anini-y and Culasi, Antique; Buenavista and Jordan, Guimaras; and Iloilo City
* Intensity I – Sebaste and Valderrama, Antique; Nueva Valencia, Guimaras; Tapaz, Capiz; and Passi City, Iloilo
Following the magnitude 4.7 tremor, PHIVOLCS recorded a series of aftershocks in and around Anini-y from shortly after midnight until dawn on June 15. These included:
* Magnitude 2.5 at 12:17 a.m.
* Magnitude 2.4 at 12:39 a.m.
* Magnitude 2.0 at 12:59 a.m.
* Magnitude 3.6 at 2:08 a.m., felt at Intensity I in Sipalay City
* Magnitude 3.3 at 3:25 a.m.
* Magnitude 2.1 at 3:41 a.m.
* Magnitude 2.9 at 4:08 a.m.
PHIVOLCS continues to monitor seismic activity in the area but has reported no significant damage from the earthquake swarm. It, however, reminded the public to remain vigilant and review earthquake preparedness measures, as strong earthquakes generated by active trenches cannot be predicted.
The Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity./PN
