Negros Occidental is on alert after Kanlaon Volcano erupted a day after the elections on Tuesday, May 13.
KANLAON Volcano logs an explosive eruption on May 13. (FB)
Following the eruption, the Philippine National Police-Negros Island Region shifted from election security operations to disaster response mode in all areas directly affected by the volcanic activity.
“Our personnel on the ground are instructed to immediately coordinate with their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) to support evacuation, relief, and security operations as necessary,” PRO-Negros Island Region chief Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said.
“While we continue to ensure the safe conclusion of the 2025 national and local elections in the rest of the region, our priority now includes protecting lives and supporting affected communities in this time of emergency.”
The PNP-NIR stands ready to augment resources and personnel in affected areas to maintain order, provide humanitarian support, and assist in disaster response efforts. Our specialized units, including search and rescue teams and medical responders, are on standby for rapid deploymentm Ibay said.
“We urge the public to remain calm, follow advisories from local authorities and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), and cooperate with evacuation and safety procedures where required.”
ASH from Kanlaon Volcano blankets an SUV following an eruption a day after the elections on Tuesday, May 13. (K5 News FM Bacolod 103.9 FB)
Thin ashfall was reported in Barangays Cubay, San Miguel, Yubo, and Ara-al in La Carolta City; Barangays Ilijan and Binubuhan in Bago City, and Barangays Biak-na-Bato, Sag-ang, and Mansalanao in La Castellana.
A five-minute moderately explosive eruption occurred at the summit crater of Kanlaon Volcano at 2:55 a.m.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said this generated a grayish voluminous plume 3 kilometers above the vent.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has deployed 200 troops and land assets to help augment ongoing disaster response operations following the eruption of Kanlaon.
"These teams are prepared to assist in evacuation, administer first aid, provide relief, and ensure security in coordination with local government units and other agencies," AFP spokesperson Col. Frances Margareth Padilla said.
"This is not just a duty, it is our solemn commitment of service and compassion." (with PNA)