The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed on Tuesday, January 6, a weak ash emission at Kanlaon Volcano after grayish plumes were observed rising from its summit crater early in the morning.

In an advisory, Phivolcs said time-lapse footage from IP cameras at the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory–Canlaon City (KVO-CC) stations showed ash emission that began at 5:55 a.m. The plumes rose to as high as 350 meters above the crater before drifting southwest. 

Phivolcs said in an update that the emission event "ceased" at 9:25 a.m.

Despite the activity, Phivolcs said Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) remains in effect over Kanlaon Volcano, which straddles the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.

Based on Phivolcs’ 24-hour observation summary from midnight January 5 to midnight January 6, Kanlaon recorded one volcanic earthquake, indicating continued unrest beneath the volcano.

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions were measured at 1,484 tonnes per day on January 5, suggesting ongoing degassing. Observers also noted a 75-meter-tall plume characterized as a weak emission drifting east-southeast.

Ground deformation data further showed that the volcanic edifice remains inflated, a sign that magmatic or hydrothermal processes may still be occurring beneath the surface.

Phivolcs reiterated that entry into the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited due to the possibility of sudden hazardous events.

The agency also warned aircraft operators against flying close to the volcano, citing risks from ash and steam emissions.

Residents and local government units were reminded to remain vigilant for possible hazards, including sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, ashfall, and signs of precursory magmatic activity.

Authorities continue to closely monitor Kanlaon Volcano and advise the public to rely only on official bulletins for updates on its condition.