Over 3.5K persons affected by Mayon's unrest – NDRRMC
Published Jan 7, 2026 01:44 pm
Photo shows an incandescent rockfall shed from the summit lava dome of Mayon Volcano at 10:46 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2026, recorded by camera and seismic monitors of the Mayon Volcano Network. Alert Level 2 prevails over Mayon Volcano and entry into the six-km Permanent Danger Zone must be prohibited, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. (Courtesy of Phivolcs)
More than 3,500 people in Albay have been affected by renewed unrest by Mayon Volcano, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
In a situational report, the NDRRMC said a total of 964 families or 3,515 persons were affected in five Albay towns and cities.
The affected population came from 13 barangays across Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, Malilipot, and Tabaco.
Of those affected, there were 952 families or 3,476 persons housed inside 13 evacuation centers while another 12 families or 39 persons were staying outside evacuation facilities.
The NDRRMC said all affected areas are within communities considered at risk due to the volcano’s continuing activity.
The report showed that Camalig accounted for a large share of families requiring immediate support. A total of 163 families in the town were listed as needing assistance.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Asst. Sec. for Administration Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said national government agencies are fully prepared to support local governments in Albay as Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3.
“We are once again under Alert Level 3 at Mayon and my call to our fellow citizens in Albay is to comply and cooperate with our authorities,” he said.
He assured local officials and affected communities that national resources are ready for deployment.
“National government agencies are there and ready to help and provide support. The resources available from national agencies are already in place,” he said.
The NDRRMC said a total of P164, 740 worth of assistance has been extended to all of the affected families in Camalig.
Alejandro pointed out that the government is maintaining round-the-clock readiness to assist local leaders and residents.
“We are here, ready to support your government 24/7. This is for the mayors and for everyone. The entire NDRRMC is on standby to provide all the necessary assistance to all of you,” he added.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Mayon Volcano’s alert status from Alert Level 2 to 3 on Jan. 6 after signs of a continuing magmatic eruption at the summit were observed.
PHIVOLCS said the development increased the risk of lava flows, hazardous pyroclastic density currents affecting the upper to middle slopes, and possible explosive activity within days or weeks.