Phivolcs bans overnight stay in Mayon Volcano

By Cet Dematera

Despite its zero alert level status which means “normal,” no one is allowed to stay overnight anywhere within Mayon Volcano in Albay, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reminded the public.

Phivolcs resident volcanologist Paul Alanis said that the concerned local government units (LGUs) are strictly implementing the “no overnight” stay of those people allowed to enter the lower slope of Mayon for tourist purposes.

“We agreed that for tourism purposes, people are allowed to enter at the lower slope of Mayon but with strict monitoring from the concerned LGUs. Of course we do not want to compromise safety of these people that’s why they are not allowed to stay overnight,” Alanis told Bicol Mail.

Phivolcs issued this reminder following reports that more people are already trekking or hiking inside the premises of Mayon after it was declared normal by Phivolcs last July 30, 2021.

“In fact, despite its normal status, we are keeping a 24-hour monitoring of Mayon. We know its erratic behavior,” Alanis added.

He said that same monitoring is being observed over Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon after it was declared normal last Aug.19, 2021.

“Phivolcs is also watching Bulusan round-the-clock despite its prevailing zero alert level. It is also an active volcano,” Alanis said.

But Alanis warned that entering inside Mayon’s six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ), and Bulusan’s four-kilometer radius PDZ remain strictly prohibited.

“We know that these two volcanos are both active and both luring trekkers because of their attractive features. We need to watch them and regulate entry of people inside their PDZs,” he said.

Contingencies are already in place should the rainy and typhoon months trigger lahar flows over these volcanoes, disaster risk reduction and management officials (DRRM) in Albay and Sorsogon earlier said.