Gov’t agencies on on-call status amid restive Mayon –Bicol DRRMC head

By Ernie Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY --- Government agencies concerned are on standby and prepared to respond as needed, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) said Friday as the Philippines’ most active volcano showed more signs of a possible hazardous eruption.

“The Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (RIACC), which was activated on January 7, 2026, remains operational to support inter-agency coordination for Mayon Volcano operations,” RDRRMC Chair and Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Claudio Yucot said in a memorandum.

“Agencies shall remain on-call,” he went on.

Yucot said agencies involved in emergency response should be ready to help as needed and follow the guidance provided by the Regional Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

In the memo, these agencies were also directed to regularly check their Viber group to ensure they are ready for deployment, coordination, or any other help requests from the EOC.

On January 6, Mayon displayed signs of an impending eruption, including the formation of a lava dome at its summit, which indicated the potential for lava flow. As a result, Alert Level 3 was raised for the volcano.

This heightened volcanic activity prompted local emergency officials to evacuate thousands from their communities near Mayon to safer shelters.

Based on the latest count by the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, a total of 1,132 families or 4,111 individuals have been evacuated from the cities of Tabaco and Ligao and the towns of Camalig, Malilipot, Guinbatan and Daraga.

The displaced individuals are receiving relief supplies from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other agencies involved in the relief operations.

Yesterday, more families were relocated from homes deemed at risk due to lahar flows, which are expected to be triggered by heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm “Ada” approaching the Bicol region. (PIA Bicol)

Assistant Sec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV (left) of the Office of Civil Defense and Regional Director Norman Laurio of the Department of Social Welfare and Development field questions from members of the Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell on January 7, 2026. (Image courtesy of OCD-5)