Albay goes on red alert amid Mayon Volcano unrest

By Ernie Delgado and Marlon Atun

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Disaster Operation Center in Albay is on heightened alert, preparing for a possible eruption of Mayon Volcano.

Governor Noel Rosal of Albay has alerted all disaster management councils in the cities, towns, and villages surrounding the volcano to be ready for emergency responses.

“All are directed to stay on heightened alert and standby for official updates and further advisories from Phivolcs and local authorities,” Rosal, who also chairs the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, stated in an advisory issued on New Year’s Day.

Rosal ordered local police to impose a ban on all human activities within the permanent danger zone, which extends six kilometers from the volcano.

He said that the use of all-terrain vehicles is prohibited beyond the area near the Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga town.

Additionally, visitors are restricted from entering the Mayon Skyline in Tabaco City.

Rosal also recommended that aviation authorities caution pilots against flying over the volcano.

In its December 31 bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Mayon Volcano’s alert level to Level 2 due to a significant increase in rockfalls, with 599 events recorded in the past two months.

Resident volcanologist Deborah Fernandez told the Philippine Information Agency that 47 rockfall events were recorded on December 31 alone.

Rockfalls are pieces of volcanic debris that tumble down from summit crater.

Fernandez said the surge in rockfall events suggests that the lava dome at the top of Mayon is growing, which can raise concerns about a possible eruption, similar to what occurred in 2023.

Phivolcs warned that the ongoing and increasing rockfalls, along with swelling observed on the volcano’s slopes, indicate that there is a heightened risk of an eruption.

If this happens, it could create “life-threatening” volcanic hazards that might affect nearby communities, Phivolcs said.

Jess Mantes, a resident of Sitio Libtong in Barangay Matnog, Daraga, Albay, which is near the permanent danger zone, reported that he often hears crackling sounds caused by falling rocks.

He expressed his willingness to evacuate if the authorities decide to relocate the residents within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone. (PIA Bicol/Masbate)

Amid Mayon Volcano’s unrest, police officers man checkpoints to prevent sightseers from going to the no-go zones, including the popular Mayon Skyline in Tabaco City, Albay, on January 1, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Police Lt. Col. Malou Calubaquib)