A thunderstorm in Batangas on Sunday night caused alarm to some residents who feared that the lightning came from the Taal Volcano, but the state volcanology agency said that it is not volcanic activity.
"The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) clarified that the lightning and thunderstorms observed near Taal Volcano yesterday are not volcano-related based on a visual image captured from Agoncillo, Batangas," Phivolcs said in a statement.
Phivolcs allayed fears of some residents, as well as netizens, who immediately concluded that the lightning originated from the volcano which is currently being monitored by the agency due to its continuous activity.
According to Phivolcs, the Phillippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a thunderstorm advisory on Sunday night which stated that "moderate to heavy rainshowers with lightning and strong winds are expected over Metro Manila, Pampanga, Rizal, Pampanga, and Batangas."
In its latest volcano bulletin issued Monday morning, Phivolcs said that two volcanic earthquakes have been recorded in Taal in the past 24 hours, while a weak steaming rising 20 meters high was also observed from vents on the Main Crater.
Alert Level 1 remains in place over Taal Volcano which means that sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within the Taal Volcano Island.
With this, the bureau emphasized that entry into the volcano island and its permanent danger zone, especially within the vicinity of the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila fissure, must remain "strictly prohibited."
"Local government units are advised to continuously assess previously evacuated barangays around Taal Lake for damages and road accessibilities and to strengthen preparedness, contingency, and communication measures in case of renewed unrest," it added.
The public, particularly residents near the volcano, were also advised to observe precautions due to ground displacement across fissures, possible ashfall, and minor earthquakes.
Aside from Taal, Phivolcs is closely monitoring other active volcanos in the country including Bulusan, Kanlaon, and Mayon, which are also at Alert Level 1 or an abnormal condition.