Manila: The Police Regional Office in the Bicol Region (PRO-5) has activated its health and emergency response teams to ensure the protection of residents affected by Mayon Volcano's unrest: The Police Regional Office in the Bicol Region (PRO-5) has activated its health and emergency response teams to ensure the protection of residents affected by Mayon Volcano's unrest.

According to Philippines News Agency, the move aims to address and provide for the medical needs of civilians living in the area.

The activation of health and emergency response teams was ordered by acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to prioritize the protection and welfare of communities affected by natural hazards. "The PNP is ready to provide medical triage and psychological first aid to affected residents, in addition to ensuring their security," Nartatez said in a statement.

Nartatez said the police force has doctors and physicians who can work alongside medical personnel from the Department of Health (DOH). "The PNP would coordinate with the Department of Health on this matter," he said.

Some 983 families or 3,589 individuals are currently staying in evacuation centers amid the recent activities of Mayon Volcano in Albay. Data from the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) as of Thursday showed that evacuees came from the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) and are distributed across several areas: Tabaco City with 390 families (1,399 persons), Malilipot with 399 families (1,466 persons), Camalig with 164 families (614 persons), Guinobatan with four families (16 persons), and Ligao City with 26 families (94 persons).

State seismologists said Mayon's current activity is comparable to its 2023 eruption. At present, the volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating intensified or magmatic unrest.

Source: Philippines News agency