Albay Governor Orders Safety Measures as Mayon Volcano Alert Level Raised

Albay: The provincial government of Albay, through the Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), has ordered the enforcement of public safety measures following the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raising Mayon Volcano's alert level from 1 to 2.

According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Noel Rosal announced that the measures are in response to the volcano's current unrest, which is driven by shallow magmatic processes that could lead to a hazardous magmatic eruption. The Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) has prohibited all human activities inside the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone, including mountain climbing, orchid picking, and vegetable harvesting.

ATV rides are now limited to the Cagsawa Ruins area, with other areas being temporarily off-limits to visitors. A no-fly zone directly above Mayon Volcano has been implemented, and entrance to Mayon Skyline is temporarily suspended. The Albay Police Provincial Office has been directed to enforce these restrictions in coordination with local government units.

Rosal has urged all cities, municipalities, and barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMC) around Mayon Volcano to maintain preparedness and monitoring status in their respective areas. "All are directed to stay on heightened alert, coordinate closely, and mobilize resources as needed," Rosal stated. He also advised the public to remain alert and await official updates and further advisories from Phivolcs and local authorities.