Philippine Trench caused Surigao del Norte earthquake —PHIVOLCS

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the Philippine Trench generated the magnitude 6.0 earthquake in General Luna, Surigao del Norte on Friday morning.

According to PHIVOLCS, the Philippine Trench is an oceanic trench, or long, narrow depressions on the ocean floor. These are also the deepest parts of the ocean. 

Trenches were formed as a result of tectonic movements such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, according to the National Geographic.

The Philippine Trench is located in the eastern portion of the Philippines from Bicol in Luzon up to Mindanao. 

One of the deepest in the world, the Philippine Trench is one of the six trenches in the country.

The other trenches are: Manila Trench, Negros Trench, Sulu Trench, Cotabato Trench, and the East Luzon Trough. 

PHIVOLCS chief Dr. Teresito Bacolcol earlier said trenches are capable of generating earthquakes with strength higher than 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 also caused the magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 doublet earthquakes in Manay, Davao Oriental last October 10. —VAL, GMA Integrated News