By Freddie Velez
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan--Bulacan Governor and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chairman Daniel R. Fernando ordered the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Tuesday to immediately dispatch rescue and medical teams to the victims of the ongoing eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas.
Evacuees flee the area affected by ashfall due to Taal Volcano eruption (Jansen Romero / MANILA BULLETIN)
After the news about the eruption came out last Sunday, Fernando immediately met with the PDRRMC and discussed the suspension of classes and work in government offices due to the possible effects of volcanic ashfall in the province, and coordinated with cities, municipalities, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bulacan PNP, Rescue Teams and PGB Hospitals to ensure availability of medicines and facilities for any possible casualty due to volcanic ashfall.
The governor said that they were closely monitoring the situation through radio, TV, fax, telephone, mobile messages and social media updates, thus, rescue teams are on standby.
“Hindi tayo masyadong apektado, naka-experience tayo ng konting ashfall lalo na sa mga siyudad ng San Jose del Monte at Meycauayan, pero ganunpaman kailangan nating tumulong at kumilos para sa iba kasi iisang bansa tayo," Fernando said.
Meanwhile, PDRRM Officer Felicisima Mungcal said that an army truck and a fire truck with nine personnel and rescue equipment are now ready for deployment to give assistance to the people who are now being affected by the continuous ashfall but are still waiting for the confirmation from the Office of the Civil Defense Region 3 before proceeding.
The department was continuously sending situational reports and posting updates on their Bulacan Rescue Facebook Account and can be contacted through telephone number 044-791-0566 for further inquiries.
Based on the PDRRMO situational report no. 2 released yesterday, volcanic tremors were recorded continuously since 11:00 AM and two volcanic earthquakes of magnitudes M2.5 and M3.9 were felt at Intensity III in Tagaytay City at 6:15 PM and Alitagtag, Batangas at 6:22 PM PST.
According to the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), the Philippine Seismic Network has recorded a total of 52 volcanic earthquakes in the Taal Region as of January 13, 12:49 am.
Moreover, the Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public to remain indoors and minimize outdoor activities. If venturing outside cannot be avoided, use an N95 mask and wear protective clothing including goggles.