Mayon Volcano in Legazpi City continues to be monitored under Alert Level 3, indicating a state of relatively high unrest. The Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (Apsemo) is actively enforcing safety protocols and maintaining readiness in nearby communities.
Expert Insights on Volcanic Activity
The volcano remains under Alert Level 3 because not all monitoring parameters required for Alert Level 4 have been met. If Phivolcs sees clear indications of an impending major explosive eruption, they will immediately raise the alert level.
Bobby Cristobal, Apsemo Chief
- Public urged to verify information before sharing on social media.
- Prohibition in place against entering the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
- Continued monitoring by disaster response teams and local authorities.
Bobby Cristobal, chief of Apsemo, clarified that recent social media speculation regarding an imminent major eruption is unfounded. He noted that while there have been increased sulfur dioxide emissions, these are part of the volcano's normal degassing process.
Cristobal emphasized the importance of relying on official updates from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and local disaster risk reduction offices. He stated, "We appeal to everyone to be responsible in sharing information about Mayon."
Local enforcement remains strict, with police and military personnel deployed to key entry points in affected areas. This includes villages in Camalig and Daraga, where access is restricted to prevent unauthorized entry.
Despite a decrease in sulfur dioxide emissions, authorities remain vigilant. Cristobal noted that disaster response units are prepared for possible evacuation if necessary. Albay remains under a state of calamity, with continuous coordination among local governments and relevant agencies.