PNP activates health teams in Bicol to aid needs of residents affected by Mayon Volcano's unrest
(Photo: Bicol Police Regional Office)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has activated health and emergency response teams in Bicol to assist residents affected by the unrest of Mayon Volcano.
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., acting PNP chief, said the move aims to protect the health and welfare of communities living near the volcano.
“The PNP is ready to provide medical triage and psychological first aid to affected residents, in addition to ensuring their security,” he noted.
The PNP said it has coordinated with the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that police doctors could work seamlessly alongside DOH personnel to provide medical care for affected residents.
The number of individuals affected by Mayon’s volcanic activities has risen to 3,602 (composed of 996 families), based on the Jan. 9 data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
More than 3,500 individuals were staying in 13 evacuation centers in Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao City, Malilipot, and Tabaco City.
Mayon Volcano remains highly active with ongoing lava dome growth and collapse, and early-stage lava flows forming at the summit, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology of Seismology (Phivolcs). At present, the volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating intensified or magmatic unrest.
The PNP reminded residents that entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited. The public was also advised against entering the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ).
It also urged communities to remain alert, follow evacuation instructions, and rely solely on official updates from Phivolcs and other official government sources.
Nartatez assured the public that other police units in nearby regions were already alerted to provide additional assistance if needed.
“We are committed to keeping the communities safe. Our officers are visible on the ground, and additional units from neighboring areas are ready to respond whenever needed,” he said.