By Argyll Cyrus Geducos Malacañang said there was no reason for the government to be complacent even after state volcanologists lowered Taal Volcano’s alert status to Level 3 Sunday. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
(OPS / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) In a radio interview Sunday, Panelo said the government will remain on its toes as the volcano continues to be restive. "Hindi naman nagla-lie-low ang gobyerno. Palagi tayong on our toes pagdating sa panganib. Palagi tayong nakahanda (The government won't lie low. We are always on our toes when it comes to dangers. We're always ready)," he said. "Kaya nga hindi ba ang naging posisyon natin diyan ay 'wag bumalik sapagkat doon sa mga lugar nila na tinitirhan at pinagtatarabahuhan sapagkat nanganganib pa (That's why our stand was to not allow everyone to return to their homes because it was still dangerous)," he added. READ MORE: Taal Volcano alert status lowered to level 3 The two-week unrest of the Taal Volcano has forced the evacuation of thousands of families in the surrounding areas. Talisay Vice Mayor Charlie Natanauan earlier questioned the mandatory evacuation of residents from the Taal Volcano and appealed to President Duterte to allow his constituents to return home. READ MORE: Talisay vice mayor in viral anti-Phivolcs statements faces sanctions He also urged chief seismologist Renato Solidum to change his "opinion" on the volcano's threat. In his radio interview, Panelo said the national government will still have the final say when evacuees can return to their homes. He added that while the Palace understands the concerns of the local executives, they have to follow the protocols set. "Siyempre ang national government. Kung sino ang nasa taas yun ang masusunod (They have to follow the direction of the national government). But we can understand the concerns of the local authorities. Pwede naman nilang sabihing (They can say that) as far as they're concerned okay na yung... wala ng panganib (there's no more danger). So they can recommend and the national government will evaluate," he said. "Pero siguro kung ano yung protocol sa ngayon, kung sinabing the areas in the periphery of the Taal, with respect to a certain range, ay hindi na mapanganib, pwede na ring bumalik doon. Pero yung iba hindi pupwede. Kailangan sundin natin (But I think we have to follow the protocol. If they say there are certain areas where people can already enter and areas people are not allowed to go to)," he added. READ MORE: Three more Taal eruption evacuees die