Residents living near Mount Makiling have alerted local officials on Thursday, Feb. 11, after smoke was visibly seen coming out in the foothills of the dormant volcano.
But was it a sign of an impending eruption?
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) clarified that Mount Makiling is "not an active volcano," meaning there is no imminent eruption.
It explained that the visible steaming comes from hot springs similar to the hot spring resorts in Laguna.
Phivolcs pointed out that hot springs are commonly found in volcanoes.
It advised the public to continue monitoring official updates through phivolcs.dost.gov.ph, as it monitors active volcanoes in the country 24 hours for seven days a week.