THE recent series of earthquakes recorded across the Philippines was not caused by manmade activity or foreign research programs, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) clarified.
Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said no human-made technology exists that can release the same level of energy produced by an earthquake, addressing circulating claims that the tremors were linked to the High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) in Alaska.
‘There is no human-made thing that can match the energy released when an earthquake occurs,’ Solidum said in Filipino during a media forum on Monday.
‘The earthquakes are very deep, originating kilometers away.so it’s difficult to speculate that the earthquakes that occurred in the Philippines are manmade,’ he added.
He explained that a magnitude 6 earthquake releases energy equivalent to that of a Hiroshima atomic bomb, making it scientifically implausible for any existing human technology to trigger such events.
The HAARP facility, often cited in online rumors, is a scientific research center in Alaska that studies the ionosphere-an area of the Earth’s upper atmosphere that is exposed to cosmic and solar radiation-and its effects on radio communications. Solidum emphasized that it cannot cause seismic activity.
‘For example, the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Davao Oriental was located about 20 kilometers below the surface,’ he said. ‘It is impossible for any instrument to influence such a deep portion of the Earth’s crust.’
The statement followed consecutive earthquakes that shook various parts of the country recently.
On October 10, twin quakes struck Davao Oriental, recording magnitudes of 7.3 and 6.8 near Manay town. The following day, tremors were also reported in Isabela, Zambales and Surigao del Sur.
A separate quake occurred in La Union on October 9, while a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit off Bogo City in Cebu on September 30.
Solidum reiterated that these events were the result of tectonic activity along active faults and trenches that run across the Philippine archipelago.
The country, located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent earthquakes due to its complex network of geological faults.
He urged the public to rely on verified information from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), rather than unverified online claims, to ensure accurate understanding and preparedness.
Preparing for ‘The Big One’
Solidum also took the opportunity to remind Filipinos about the importance of earthquake preparedness, clarifying misconceptions about ‘The Big One.’
‘Earthquake scenarios are not predictions,’ he said in Filipino. ‘They are estimates of the possible damage or loss of life if we do nothing, based on the state of our homes, buildings and preparedness.’
‘The Big One’ refers to a hypothetical large-magnitude earthquake that could occur along the West Valley Fault, which runs through the eastern portion of Metro Manila. Historical records show that the fault experiences major movements every 400 to 600 years.
The science chief, however, clarified that ‘The Big One’ concept applies differently across regions.
‘Every place in the Philippines-region, province, town, or city-has its own ‘big one. The scenario is different in Davao Oriental, different in Cebu, different in Metro Manila, different in Iloilo,’ he explained.
Further, there is a need for continuous preparedness measures, including structural assessments, community drills, and public education, to minimize casualties and damage in future seismic events, he said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) continues to issue bulletins and monitor the country’s major faults and trenches through its seismic stations and early warning systems.