The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday, October 27, called on all local government units (LGUs) and residents in areas surrounding Taal and Kanlaon volcanoes to remain on full alert, as both volcanoes continued to exhibit signs of unrest.

The advisory came amid fresh reports of volcanic emissions and tremors recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), heightening concerns over possible escalation in volcanic activity.

Phivolcs maintained Alert Level 2 over Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island, indicating “moderate unrest” characterized by ongoing volcanic earthquakes, steam-driven activity, and the likelihood of minor ash emissions or short-lived explosions.

Over the past 24 hours, Kanlaon Volcano Observatory reported at least 38 volcanic earthquakes, weak sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions averaging 700 tonnes per day, and continued inflation of the volcano’s edifice — signs of shallow magma movement beneath the summit crater.

“Residents and visitors are reminded to strictly avoid entry into the four-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ),” Phivolcs warned, adding that people within six kilometers of the volcano should remain vigilant and ready to evacuate if activity intensifies.

The DILG echoed this warning, directing LGUs in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental to activate their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs), pre-position emergency supplies, and ensure the readiness of evacuation centers.

“Continuous coordination with Phivolcs and concerned local authorities is strongly urged,” the DILG said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs has maintained Alert Level 1 over Taal Volcano in Batangas following two minor phreatomagmatic explosions at its Main Crater on October 26, which generated steam-laden plumes rising up to 600 meters high.

Sulfur dioxide emissions have also increased, with an average of 6,700 tonnes per day recorded on Sunday — a significant uptick from previous weeks. Residents reported mild ashfall in several barangays of Laurel and Agoncillo, while a faint smell of sulfur was detected in Tagaytay City early Monday morning.

In light of these developments, the DILG directed LGUs in Batangas and Cavite to implement heightened preparedness measures, enforce strict no-entry policies to Taal Volcano Island, particularly the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila Trail, and prepare contingency plans for possible evacuations.

The DILG urged communities to take all safety precautions, including wearing N95 masks, avoiding exposure to volcanic ash, and staying indoors during ashfall events. Residents were also advised to keep emergency go-bags ready, containing drinking water, food, protective gear, clothing, and essential medicines.

Households were reminded to store clean water, cover water containers to prevent ash contamination, and monitor official advisories through verified government channels.

“LGUs are directed to activate their LDRRMCs, ensure the readiness of evacuation centers, and provide public updates through local information officers,” the DILG said. “Let us uphold vigilance, preparedness, and cooperation to keep our families and communities safe.”

The DILG also advised affected LGUs to maintain close coordination with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Calabarzon and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for real-time updates and unified response measures.

Authorities warned that changes in either volcano’s condition could prompt the escalation of alert levels, depending on seismic activity and gas emission trends.

Phivolcs reaffirmed that while no large-scale eruption is imminent at this time, both Taal and Kanlaon remain under “critical watch.”

“People should not be complacent,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said. “Even minor explosions or sudden ash emissions can pose significant hazards, especially to communities near the volcanoes.”

Taal Volcano, one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, last experienced a major eruption in January 2020, displacing over 300,000 people and blanketing several provinces with volcanic ash. Kanlaon, meanwhile, had minor eruptions in June 2023 and March 2024, both accompanied by ashfall in nearby towns.

The DILG reminded the public that the Philippines, situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is home to 24 active volcanoes, and constant preparedness is essential to mitigate disaster risks. (ILKHA)