Quakes are unpredictable, says seismology bureau

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Wednesday stressed that current technology cannot predict earthquakes, addressing online claims of a strong quake supposedly set to hit the Philippines on 22 April 2025.

In a television interview, Phivolcs director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol underscored the importance of accurate information, warning that misinformation can cause unnecessary fear.

He reiterated that “there is no person or technology that can accurately predict when an earthquake will occur.”

“We have to prepare because we (the Philippines) are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and now and then, there is an earthquake because we have active faults, trenches, and these are all capable of generating major earthquakes,” Bacolcol said.

This follows the emergence of a social media post claiming a strong earthquake would strike the country next week.

“They have to listen to the LGUs, and don’t immediately listen to the posts that they can see online and in social media,” the director advised, urging the public not to further spread false information.

The Philippines has several major trenches and fault lines, including the Manila Trench to the west, the East Luzon Trough, and the Philippine Trench. Notable fault lines include the West Valley Fault, which runs through Metro Manila, and the Philippine Fault.

Phivolcs previously noted that in addition to the West Valley Fault, which could potentially generate a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, the Manila Trench is also under close monitoring due to its potential to produce a magnitude 8 earthquake that could trigger a tsunami.

Being situated within the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines experiences frequent earthquakes and is home to at least 24 active volcanoes across the country.