"We will step up. We will level up."

This was President Marcos' assurance to those affected by the eruption of Mount Kanlaon, vowing a stronger government response in case the situation escalated.

In a video message, the government is ready to address issues arising from the ongoing unrest.

"We will step up. We will level up. Any escalation in damages and destruction will be met with a stronger government response," he said on Friday, Dec. 13.

"Nandito po ang inyong pamahalaan na handang tumulong sa inyo. Kung gaano man katindi ang bangis ng bulkang ito, ganun din ang kalinga na aming ipapaabot (Your government is ready to help you. No matter how ferocious this volcano gets, we will provide you with the same amount of assistance)," he added.

He revealed that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) have been preparing for the worst-case scenario even before the volcano erupted.

With this, Marcos urged those affected by the eruption to be wary of the information they encounter online.

"Truth will save lives. Fake news will kill," he said.

"Effective disaster response is anchored on reliable information," he added.

According to the President, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will continue to issue around-the-clock advisories in language that is clearly understood by all.

"Nakikiusap ako sa lahat, lalo na sa ayaw lumikas, na sumunod sa babala ng ating mga awtoridad (I ask everyone, especially those who don't want to evacuate, to heed the warning of the authorities)," he said.

"Mas mahalaga po ang buhay kaysa ari-arian (Your lives are more important than your possessions)," he added.

According to President Marcos, the government is coordinating with relevant agencies and local government units (LGUs) to ensure everyone's safety.

Over 45,000 residents from the six-kilometer radius danger zone have evacuated. The government targets to evacuate a total of 84,000 people. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has assured that it has enough family food packs, non-food items, clean water, and hygiene kits for the evacuation centers.

Meanwhile, Marcos said he has ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release funds to assist those who were affected by the eruption.

The Department of Health (DOH) is also on alert against sickness caused by volcanic ash.

"Mula Maynila, kasado na ang pag-airlift ng dagdag na gamot kung kinakailangan (We are ready to airlift medicine from Manila if necessary)," the President said.

"Sa ganitong kalamidad, posibleng madapuan ng sakit dulot ng abo ng bulkan. Walang patid po ang surveillance (During calamities like this, we may get sick due to volcanic ash. We are continuously monitoring the situation)," he added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) across the Negros Island are on high alert.

"Susuong sila sa anumang paghamon na darating (They are ready to face any challenge that may come)," Marcos said.