The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed that the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck General Luna, Surigao del Norte on Friday morning, October 17, was caused by movements along the Philippine Trench.
According to PHIVOLCS, the Philippine Trench is an oceanic trench — a long, narrow depression on the ocean floor — considered one of the deepest parts of the ocean. These trenches are formed through tectonic activities, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
The trench runs along the eastern side of the Philippines, stretching from Bicol in Luzon down to Mindanao.
PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol earlier explained that trenches like this one have the potential to produce powerful earthquakes exceeding magnitude 8.
“Trenches generally are capable of generating great earthquakes. When we say great earthquakes, these are earthquakes greater than [magnitude] 8,” Bacolcol said.
The Philippine Trench was also identified as the source of the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes that rocked Manay, Davao Oriental on October 10, highlighting its significant seismic activity in recent weeks.