Marcos says gov't 'in control of situation' amid Kanlaon eruption

The government is “on top of the situation amid the recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island," President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said, noting that the national government is prepared to assist affected residents. 

In a video message released on Friday, Marcos said the national government is closely coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to ensure the safety of residents affected by the volcanic eruption.

“Nakatutok ang pamahalaan sa pag-agapay sa epekto ng pagsabog ng Bulkang Kanlaon (The government is focusing on assisting those affected by eruption of Mt. Kanlaon),” he emphasized. 

Marcos said more than 45,000 residents have been evacuated from the six-kilometer radius danger zone of Kanlaon Volcano and the government is targeting to evacuate 84,000 individuals. 

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the Kanlaon’s status to Alert Level 3 after it erupted on Monday. 

“Ang matagal ng forward-deployed na relief items ng DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development], tulad ng mga family food pack at non-food items, ay ibubuhos natin sa mga evacuation center. Kasama ang malinis na tubig, sleeping at hygiene kit (The long-standing forward-deployed relief items from the DSWD, such as family food packs and non-food items, will be distributed to the evacuation centers. This includes clean water, sleeping bags, and hygiene kits.),” said Marcos.

Amid the Kanlaon’s unrest, Marcos directed the Department of Budget and Management to ensure the smooth release of disaster funds. 

He also ordered the Department of Health (DOH) to continuously monitor the health situation and be on alert for diseases related to the eruption.

“We will step up. We will level up. Any escalation in damages and destruction will be met with a stronger government response,” he noted. 

Meanwhile, Marcos urged the people to acquire information and communicate to reliable sources only amid these challenging times, such as Philvocs. 

“Truth will save lives. Fake news will kill. Effective disaster response is anchored on reliable information,” he said. 

“That’s why PHIVOLCS will continue to issue around-the-clock advisories, in language that is clearly understood to all our kababayans,” he added. 

Marcos appealed to those residents living within the danger zones to immediately evacuate for their safety. 

“Mas mahalaga po ang buhay kaysa ari-arian (Life is more precious than properties,” he said.