The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Saturday, January 3, observed increased volcanic activity at Mayon Volcano, prompting authorities to maintain Alert Level 2 and caution the public against venturing into high-risk areas.

From 12 a.m. on January 2 to 12 a.m. on January 3, Phivolcs recorded one volcanic earthquake and 43 rockfall events along the volcano’s slopes.

Crater glow remains obscured, Phivolcs said, while sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions were measured at 288 tonnes per day as of January 2.

The volcanic plume rose to a height of 200 meters with moderate emissions and drifted north-northeast.

Phivolcs noted that ground deformation monitoring indicates the volcanic edifice remains inflated, signaling the potential for further unrest.

Authorities continue to strictly prohibit entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and advise extreme caution within the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ). Aviation activities near the volcano are also discouraged.

Phivolcs warned of possible hazards, including sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions; rockfalls, landslides, or avalanches; and lahars that may be triggered by heavy rainfall.

Mayon Volcano, located in Albay province, is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and is closely monitored due to its history of sudden eruptions. Residents of Albay and nearby towns are urged to remain vigilant and follow official advisories to prevent accidents related to the volcano’s increasing activity.

In an advisory issued on January 1, Phivolcs announced that Mayon Volcano’s alert status had been raised from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2 following a sustained increase in volcanic unrest, including intensified rockfall activity and ongoing ground deformation.

Phivolcs recorded a total of 599 rockfall events in the last two months of 2025, averaging about 10 events per day.

However, activity intensified during the final week of December, with the daily average increasing to 21 rockfalls per day. On December 31, Phivolcs said Mayon registered 47 rockfall events—the highest daily total recorded in the past year.