Additional police forces were mobilized to secure all the entry points in the danger zones of Mayon in Albay as authorities are eyeing the expansion of off-limit areas to six kilometers around the volcano.

This developed as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported another pyroclastic density current between 7:19 a.m. and 7;26 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, or three days after it spewed ash on Saturday. 

Phivolcs said the pyroclastic density current was triggered by lava collapse t the southwestern slopes of Mayon Volcano. 

"Alert Level 3 remains in effect over Mayon Volcano. Entry into the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone should be prohibited," it said.

Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said they will implement full coordination on the ground to prevent unauthorized entry into the danger zone, especially as restive conditions around Mayon continued to threaten nearby communities.

“The PNP is coordinating with our grassroots partners. We have established a direct communication line between our local police stations and the barangay intelligence networks. Our officers are conducting joint foot patrols with barangay security offices to ensure that every alley and back-trail leading into the six-kilometer PDZ are monitored,” said Nartatez.

Phivolcs earlier warned that Mayon’s activity could escalate, prompting discussions to widen the current six-kilometer PDZ to seven kilometers.

The expansion would cover more villages already under evacuation, raising concerns over residents attempting to return to tend farms or retrieve belongings.

Nartatez said local knowledge remains a key factor to enforcement efforts as some evacuees sought to quietly slip back into restricted areas.

Police units on the ground were ordered to sustain round-the-clock checkpoint operations and increase visibility in entry points leading to the slopes of Mayon.

Patrols were intensified both on foot and through mobile units, with aerial monitoring considered for remote paths.

“Our ground commanders have been given a clear directive to exercise maximum tolerance but maintain zero compromise on the 'No Entry' policy,” said Nartatez.

But he was quick to clarify that policemen were tasked to properly deal with the local residents, noting that most returning residents are just concerned about their sources of living near the volcano.

“If residents are caught entering for farming, we will assist them in returning to the evacuation centers while explaining the immediate life-threatening risks of pyroclastic density currents,” said Nartatez.

“However, for tourists or individuals who deliberately disregard the cordons for sightseeing, we will not hesitate to escort them out and coordinate with the local government units for appropriate legal action,” he said.

Kanlaon is angry too 

Phivolcs also reported ash emissions on Tuesday morning, 5:32 a.m. and 6:01 a.m. at the Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island.

Volcanologists said the volcano spewed grayish plumes that went up to 800 meters above its crater.

The cloud of ash then drifted towards the west side of Kanlaon.