Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City – In response to the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon this afternoon, the Visayas Command (VISCOM) has placed its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) Teams on high alert, ready to move on order to ensure the safety and well-being of affected communities.

Lieutenant General Fernando M. Reyeg PA, Commander of VISCOM, emphasized the importance of immediate and coordinated efforts:

"We have placed our HADR Teams on high alert ready to provide immediate assistance to the affected communities. We have established close coordination with the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) to ensure timely and synchronized disaster response efforts. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our people.”

At 3:03 PM, the eruption produced a volcanic plume that soared up to 4,000 meters above the summit. Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), which are fast-moving mixtures of hot gas, ash, and volcanic debris, were observed traveling down the southeastern slopes of the volcano, as recorded by thermal cameras and monitoring equipment.

Lasting about 7 minutes, the eruption was accompanied by ashfall in several areas, including Bago City, Guintubdan, Ara-al in La Carlota City, and Mambukal in Murcia, Negros Occidental. Over the past month, Mt. Kanlaon has been more active, with frequent earthquakes and higher-than-normal sulfur dioxide emissions.

Following this, VISCOM placed all its HADR teams on standby alert, ready to move on order, and advised its units in Negros Island to closely coordinate with the local DRRMCs in their respective areas to assist in mitigating the risks posed by the eruption. Likewise, mobility assets were also placed on standby alert to ensure a swift and effective response when needed.

Lt Gen Reyeg added, "We are working hand-in-hand with local authorities to assess the situation and provide the necessary support when the need arises. Our coordinated efforts aim to mitigate the impact of this eruption.”

As of the latest update from PHIVOLCS, the Alert Level Status of Mt Kanlaon has been elevated from Level 2 (Increasing Unrest) to Level 3 (Magmatic Unrest). It was also reported that the eruption is stronger based on seismic and observational data, with the potential for more short-lived explosive eruptions that could generate pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and rockfalls within the 6-km radius from the summit crater.

A mandatory evacuation is in effect and local government units are advised to prepare for a possible escalation to Alert Level 4 if the volcanic activity intensifies. Additionally, if heavy rains occur during the eruption, lahars or muddy streamflows may impact areas beyond the volcano, necessitating heightened vigilance from the public.

"In times of crisis, our resolve to support and safeguard our communities is unwavering. We urge everyone to stay vigilant and adhere to the advisories and instructions from local authorities. Together, we can overcome this challenge and emerge stronger and more resilient," Lt Gen Reyeg concluded.