Nartatez to Albay cops: Keep Mayon danger zones off limits to residents, thrill seekers
photo: PNP
Police forces in Albay were instructed to ensure that the permanent danger zones of the Mayon Volcano will remain off limits to both local residents and thrill-seeking tourists amid its ongoing rumbling.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said experts are still warning of the danger of the volcanic activity and on the part of the police, their role is to secure all the possible entry points of the six-kilometer danger zone.
“Our personnel in Albay are in constant coordination with the local government units on matters pertaining to the safety of and assistance to affected residents. Currently, our focus is to keep the danger zones off limits to residents and even tourists as advised by our volcanologists,” said Nartatez.
“We call on all residents to follow the advisories of authorities and stay clear of the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ). The PNP remains on heightened alert as experts have recorded increasing activities of the Mayon Volcano,” he added.
Nartatez said PNP is currently coordinating with local government units to ensure that all safety protocols are strictly followed.
Data from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) shows a rise in unrest, including a total of 340 rockfall events recorded from midnight of Monday to midnight of Tuesday, and 45 pyroclastic density currents, and 13 volcanic earthquakes during the same period.
Mayon Volcano is still under Alert Level 3 which means that volcanic earthquakes and tremors are now more frequent. The volcano exhibits high levels of unrest and a hazardous eruption could occur within weeks or even days.
Nartatez advised all residents to strictly monitor official developments. He reminded the public to follow the advisories of authorities for their own safety.