LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco of Guinobatan town, this province, confirmed that near zero visibility was reported in several barangays collectively known as the “Mayon Unit” due to ashfall from Mayon Volcano.

Ongjoco said that Barangay Masarawag is particularly dangerous for motorists due to poor visibility caused by ash.

“Papunta ako ngayon sa lugar para tingnan ang sitwasyon. Dito kasi sa sentro, mayroon din pero hindi gaano,” the mayor said in a phone interview with the Manila Bulletin.

(I am going there to look at the situation. There is visibility in the town center but not that much)

As a precautionary measure, the local government has distributed face masks to residents to help minimize the possible health effects of ashfall, Ongjoco added.

Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) chief Joy Rañola Maravillas confirmed the occurrence of ashfall in Mayon Unit but she described it as minimal.

Maravillas said that ashfall was not confined to barangays near the volcano but was felt as well in the town’s urban areas.

The Department of Health (DOH)-Bicol warned the public about the potential health risks posed by volcanic smog or vog, a type of air pollution produced by volcanic activity.

The DOH said vog can cause irritation of the eyes and throat and may lead to respiratory problems.

The agency advised people to take precautionary measures, including wearing face masks—preferably N95 or using a damp cloth to cover the nose and mouth—keeping doors and windows closed, drinking plenty of clean water, and avoiding entry into the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

The public was urged to stay updated through advisories from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and local government unit and call the National Emergency Hotline 911 if assistance is needed.