BACOLOD CITY – The city government of Canlaon in Negros Oriental has ordered the closure of non-essential business establishments and tourism sites after the eruption on Monday, June 3, of Kanlaon Volcano which showed signs of increased activity, posing a potential threat to public safety and welfare.

In an executive order issued by Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas on Monday, June 3, all non-essential business establishments within a four-kilometer radius of Kanlaon Volcano were ordered to cease operations and vacate immediately until further notice, while all non-essential establishments in the city proper are mandated to close their businesses, starting June 4, at 8 p.m.

Cardenas stressed that it is imperative to take proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of residents and mitigate the impact of volcanic activity.

Volcanic eruptions can result in hazardous conditions such as ashfall, pyroclastic flows, and lava, endangering the lives and health of citizens, he said.

Cardenas said that essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, emergency response agencies, utility providers, and other critical infrastructure services may continue operations with appropriate safety measures in place.

Citizens residing within the vicinity of Kanlaon Volcano are urged to adhere to evacuation orders issued by local authorities and  follow designated evacuation routes to ensure safety, Cardenas said.

Meanwhile, in a separate executive order, Cardenas ordered the closure of tourism sites within a two- to six-kilometer radius of the volcano due to the eruption which poses imminent danger to public safety.

Cardenas said that this action is essential to safeguard the lives and well-being of residents and visitors. All access roads leading to these sites shall be closed and entry by any means shall be strictly prohibited until further notice, he said.

He directed all relevant government agencies and authorities to coordinate efforts to enforce the order and provide necessary support for the safety and well-being of affected individuals.

Cardenas ordered the suspension of work in government and private offices in the city on June 4 as a precautionary and proactive measure in anticipation of any untoward incident in relation to the volcanic activity.

He said that all Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (LDRRMC) members, city and barangay officials, government employees, and others concerned are directed to take and observe all disaster response protocols as well as execute courses of action that may be given by the LDRMMC or BDRRMC.