The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday said it has deployed troops and transport assets to communities heavily affected by Mayon Volcano's heavy spewing of ash in Albay last May 2.

In a statement, Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said troopers and assets from the 9th Infantry Division were deployed in Camalig, Guinobatan, Legazpi City, Ligao City, and Malilipot last May 5.

These units include the 31st Infantry Battalion which has three disaster response units (DRUs) comprising 23 soldiers and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Activity Auxiliary members, as well as three vehicles in Barangay Salugan, Camalig, Albay, he said.

"Meanwhile, the 49th Infantry Battalion has deployed a DRU with five enlisted personnel, four CAA members, and one vehicle at Guinobatan, plus liaisons in Legazpi, Guinobatan, and Ligao City," Dema-ala said.

Aside from these, Dema-ala said the 9th Infantry Division has 22 DRUs on standby, ready to reinforce deployed units against potential worsening volcanic activity.

"As of this date, more than 4,000 food packs have been distributed as part of the initial wave of relief to residents affected and displaced by the volcano unrest in the nine municipalities and cities of Albay, including Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga, Tabaco, Malilipot, Legazpi, Ligao, Santo Domingo, and Bacacay," he said.

The volcanic unrest of Mayon Volcano remains characterized by intermittent ash emissions, lava effusion, and the threat of Pyroclastic Density Currents or "uson" and lava flows, particularly within the permanent danger zone as of this time.

"The PA humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations include dedicated troops operating in full swing in partnership with local disaster response offices and other government units to ensure the safety of Filipinos in times of unrest and crises," Dema-ala said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it also continues to augment its HADR operations in affected areas.

"The AFP is working closely with partner agencies to ensure essential services remain accessible, including maintaining passable roads and supporting ongoing clearing operations in ash-affected areas," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a separate message.

"Assistance continues to reach affected families both inside and outside evacuation centers," she said.