Sorsogon: Sorsogon Governor Jose Edwin Jamor announced that he will not prevent local government unit (LGU) officials from deciding on the evacuation following the phreatic eruption of Bulusan Volcano that occurred before dawn on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Jamor, in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas, mentioned that the village captain of Puting Sapa, Juban expressed a desire to initiate an evacuation. Jamor advised that such a decision should preferably be made on the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). However, he assured that if the local authorities wish to proceed, they have the governor's backing and aid has been prepared to support the decision.

The 24-minute eruption led the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to elevate Bulusan Volcano's alert status from Level 0, indicating normal conditions, to Level 1, indicating low-level unrest. The eruption resulted in a bent plume rising 4,500 meters above the crater, moving west to southwest, and causing ashfall in several areas including Cogon and Bolos in Irosin, as well as Puting Sapa, Guruyan, Buraburan, and Tulatula Sur in Juban.

Phivolcs reported that local government officials noted rumbling sounds approximately 15 minutes before the eruption, which were also picked up by infrasound sensors. Governor Jamor emphasized that the situation is being monitored to determine the necessary aid, and despite the ashfall affecting the Maharlika Highway, it was cleared by 3 p.m.

Governor Jamor reassured the public that they are managing the situation effectively in collaboration with various government agencies. Face masks were distributed last week, and he advised residents uncomfortable with masks to use wet towels instead. He also urged elderly individuals and those with respiratory issues to remain indoors.