15/10/2025
No, The Big One Is Not Coming ( Stay Calm )
Lately, there’s been a wave of scary posts claiming that “The Big One” is about to hit the Philippines because of the recent earthquakes.
Some even say it’s “imminent” or “predicted.”
Let’s be clear: those claims are false.
PHIVOLCS Chief Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said in an interview with Unang Hirit:
“Hindi po kasi magkakalayo sila.”
(No, they will not because they are far apart.)
“Magkakaiba din ang generators ng paglindol natin. Iba ang fault system natin.
Yung sa West Valley Fault, yung sa The Big One na tinatawag natin would come from the West Valley Fault.”
Source:
GMA News – PHIVOLCS: Recent earthquakes do not trigger West Valley Fault
According to PHIVOLCS, no one can predict earthquakes, not the exact day, time, or location. Even with modern instruments, there’s no technology anywhere in the world that can forecast when a major quake will happen.
The so-called “Big One” refers to a possible magnitude 7.2 earthquake that could occur along the West Valley Fault, which runs through Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Laguna, and Cavite.
It’s based on historical data. The last major movement of that fault was around 1658, and scientists estimate that large quakes could recur every 400 to 600 years.
That means we’re within the window of possibility, but that doesn’t mean it’s happening now.
The recent earthquakes you’ve felt in Davao, Cebu, or other parts of the country are from different faults, far from the West Valley Fault.
They do not trigger or “awaken” the fault that could cause the Big One.
Stay calm, stay informed, and don’t believe everything you see online.
Always rely on official sources like PHIVOLCS and DOST for accurate updates.