Manila: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) clarified that the recent strong earthquakes experienced in the country are not related to ongoing volcanic activities.

According to Philippines News Agency, Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol emphasized that there is no direct connection between tectonic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions or heightened seismic activity. Bacolcol stated, "Strong tectonic earthquakes have no direct effect on volcanic eruption and increased seismic activity," highlighting that volcanic eruptions only occur when there is sufficient pressure within a volcano's magma chamber to induce an explosion.

Phivolcs reported a minor phreatic eruption at Taal Volcano's summit at 11:42 a.m. on Monday, which resulted in plumes rising 900 meters high. Despite this, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, signifying low-level unrest. Bacolcol noted that minor eruptions are typical for Taal, which frequently experiences small phreatic events.

Additionally, Phivolcs disclosed increased seismic activity at Bulusan Volcano over the weekend, with 72 volcano-tectonic earthquakes recorded since midnight on October 11. Bacolcol explained, "The recent earthquakes are from active faults and trenches while the earthquakes from Bulusan Volcano are due to magma pushing through." He added that Bulusan Volcano's seismic activity has been decreasing, with 25 volcanic earthquakes recorded in the past 24 hours, down from 55 the previous day.