The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) said Sunday, Feb. 14, Kanlaon Volcano is “more restive now” and remains under Alert Level 1 amid a slight increase in volcanic activity-triggered earthquakes and gas flux occurring since last week.

"Kanlaon Volcano remains at Alert Level 1 , but because of the increased volcanic earthquake activity in the past three days, increased gas emission Saturday of more than 1,000 tonnes per day, and continued slight inflation of the volcano slopes, we issued an advisory as it is more restive now than in past week and indicates increased possibility of phreatic eruptions (steam-driven explosion),” Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. told the Manila Bulletin in a Viber message.

Kanlaon Volcano has been under Alert Level 1, the lowest on a five-tier scale, since March 11, 2020. It means the active volcano is at an abnormal condition and has entered a period of unrest.

When asked if there is a magma rising toward the crater, as of this writing, “None. There is no evidence.”

According to him, they "have not recorded earthquake signals related to the rise of magma.”

Solidum urged the public anew to be vigilant and to refrain from entering the four-kilometer permanent danger zone due to possible sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said seven volcanic earthquakes were logged during the 24-hour observation period.

"Moderate emission of white steam-laden plumes that rose 500 meters before drifting southeast and northwest was observed. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission was measured at an average of 1130 tonnes/day on 13 February 2021,” it said.

"Ground deformation data from continuous GPS and electronic tilt measurements have been recording a slight inflation of the lower and middle slopes since June 2020. These parameters may indicate hydrothermal or magmatic processes occurring deep beneath the edifice,” it added.

“DOST (Department of Science and Technology-Phivolcs is closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano’s activity and any new development will be relayed to all concerned.”

Charissa Luci-Atienza & Jhon Aldrin Casinas

Kanlaon Volcano ‘more restive now’, still on Alert Level 1 —Phivolcs