Legazpi city: Albay Governor Noel Rosal on Wednesday instructed the decampment of all evacuees displaced by the unrest of Mayon Volcano. This decision follows the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology's (Phivolcs) downgrade of the volcano's status from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2.
According to Philippines News Agency, Rosal confirmed in a phone interview that he would issue an order for local government units to start decampment operations promptly for families residing in evacuation centers. He stated that the provincial government will provide transportation to those unable to return to their communities immediately and will also supply one sack of rice to each returning family to support their transition back home.
Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (Apsemo) chief Oscar Robert Cristobal noted that the downgrade permits evacuation centers in Malilipot, Tabaco City, and Camalig to initiate decampment. Families from Ligao City who voluntarily evacuated outside formal centers are also included. Cristobal emphasized that despite the lowered alert level, Mayon remains under Alert Level 2, necessitating the public to stay out of the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ). Phivolcs continues to restrict entry into this area due to potential volcanic hazards.
Cristobal mentioned ongoing coordination with local government units, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Army to maintain security around the danger zones and reassess response measures following Phivolcs advisories. Apsemo data indicates evacuees returning home include 488 families from Tabaco City, 408 from Malilipot, and 204 from Camalig.
In a separate interview, Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. stated that evacuees from the municipality will begin decamping on Thursday morning. He added that evacuation centers at Tagaytay Elementary School and Bongabong Elementary School will undergo inspection, cleaning, disinfection, and minor repairs before resuming regular use. Apart from rice, each returning family will receive food packs to aid their return home.
Despite the decampment process, Baldo assured that the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office will continue to monitor Mayon Volcano round-the-clock. The Municipal Health Office will disinfect evacuation centers to ensure readiness for normal operations. Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare and Development's office in Bicol will provide returning families with family food packs.
