By Paulo Loreto Lim

As the Negros Oriental Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) proceeds in their investigation into the recent series of earthquakes that struck the town of Valencia last week, Silliman University physics professor Francisco Ablong, Jr. believes the tremors are likely caused by volcanic activity.

It was previously reported, Phivolcs Seismic Station officer-in-charge Jose Molas discussed Mt. Talinis, a volcano located in Valencia, as being considered inactive; however, the professor said the volcano is actually “potentially active,” referring to a volcano that has no record of eruptions.

“Validation should be made on some kind of magmatic movement under the base of Cuernos de Negros (Mt. Talinis),” Ablong said.

“We cannot consider, immediately based on the data, that the cause is tectonic because, when we say tectonic, before a series of earthquakes, the biggest to happen is the main shock,” he explained. “There was no main shock.”

The highest magnitude tremor experienced in recent days was a 4.7-magnitude quake late last month, on January 27.

The professor also posed a challenge to Phivolcs, recommending they stay for a few days to examine Mt. Talinis and its surroundings.

Earlier this week, Phivolcs Seismological Observation and Earthquake Prediction Division (SOEPD) head Ishmael Narag stated, “There is no cause for alarm amid the ongoing series of earthquakes in Valencia and nearby areas,” noting there is no indication a larger tremor is expected./PLL, WDJ