Safety protocols remain as Mayon still at Alert Level 3

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3 or relatively high unrest, without the need to raise the alert status to Level 4 (intense unrest), as Albay disaster officials continue to enforce safety protocols and maintain heightened preparedness in communities surrounding the volcano.

Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (Apsemo) chief Bobby Cristobal said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has not observed parameters needed to justify raising the alert level.

“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,” Cristobal said after a consultation meeting with officials from Phivolcs and local disaster risk reduction and management offices (LDRRMOs) on Friday afternoon.

He said recent social media posts suggesting that Mayon is on the verge of a major eruption have caused unnecessary concern among residents.

Cristobal said although Mayon recently recorded elevated sulfur dioxide emissions, Phivolcs said the volcano’s continued degassing allows pressure to escape from the crater and does not automatically indicate a major explosive eruption is imminent.

“The rumbling sounds and Strombolian activity are part of the volcano’s ongoing degassing process. While we should continue exercising caution, there is no reason for unnecessary panic at this time,” he said.

Cristobal appealed to the public to verify information before sharing it on social media and to rely only on official updates from Phivolcs and LDRRMOs.

“We appeal to everyone to be responsible in sharing information about Mayon. Please verify information through Phivolcs and your local DRRMOs to prevent unnecessary alarm and panic,” he said.

He said the province continues to strictly enforce the prohibition against entering the six-kilometer permanent danger zone, particularly for residents, farmers and tourists, while the volcano remains under Alert Level 3.

Police, military personnel and local disaster responders remain deployed at key entry points in affected villages, including Anoling in Camalig and the villages of Salvacion, Budiao and Banadero in Daraga, to prevent unauthorized entry into restricted areas.

Cristobal said disaster response assets of the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army are on standby should preemptive evacuation become necessary.

“Even if sulfur dioxide emissions have declined from their previous peak, we are not reducing our level of preparedness. Our monitoring teams remain in place, especially in the barangays under close observation, until the alert level is lowered,” he said.

Cristobal added that Albay remains under a state of calamity, with local governments continuing close coordination with Phivolcs, Office of Civil Defense and other partner agencies.

Local disaster operations centers continue issuing regular advisories, conducting preparedness meetings, evaluating response capabilities, and maintaining close monitoring of Mayon’s activity. (PNA)