Police forces in Bicol put on alert amid Mayon Volcano's rumbling
photo: PNP
Police forces in Albay and nearby areas were put on alert for possible disaster response amid the increasing unrest of the Mayon Volcano.
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said his instruction is to place sufficient number of policemen to respond to any eventuality, including possible preemptive evacuation, especially those living near the volcano.
“Our personnel in Albay and nearby areas are on alert and ready to respond to any eventuality, including possible preemptive actions to protect our communities, especially those within the danger zones,” said Nartatez.
The heightened alert follows the decision of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to raise Mayon Volcano’s status from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2, which indicates increasing or moderate unrest.
The alert level increase was due to shallow magmatic processes observed at the volcano. These conditions, according to the volcano experts, may lead to a hazardous magmatic eruption if activity escalates.
The provincial government of Albay has since enforced public safety measures in response to the situation.
A no-fly zone directly above Mayon Volcano is now in effect. Access to Mayon Skyline has also been temporarily suspended until further notice.
Nartatez said the PNP will maintain close coordination with local government units and other agencies to ensure the timely implementation of safety measures for affected communities.
He also urged the public to cooperate with authorities and strictly follow advisories and instructions to ensure their safety.