Office of Civil Defense (OCD) spokesperson Atty. Chris Bendijo is urging the public to stay alert following signs of volcanic activity at Mount Kanlaon.

In a recent radio interview, Bendijo explained that the volcano has been emitting sulfur dioxide, a possible sign of an impending eruption.

“The more sulfur dioxide being released, the more freely pressure escapes from the volcano. But when those levels drop, that’s when we worry,” he said in Filipino. “Low emissions could mean pressure is building up again, which might lead to a phreatic eruption — or even something stronger.”

Over the past several hours, more than 1,000 tons of sulfur dioxide have been recorded. Sixteen volcanic earthquakes have been detected, and the daily sulfur dioxide output has reached 300 tons — an amount Bendijo described as “concerning.”

Adding to the warning signs, he noted that Mount Kanlaon remains “inflated” — a term used when a volcano’s edifice swells, suggesting magma could still be on the move and might erupt.

As of now, over 23,500 families — or roughly 92,000 individuals — are affected by the ongoing volcanic unrest. Many have been moved to evacuation centers, where rescue and relief efforts are ongoing.

Bendijo also highlighted a recent development aimed at improving disaster response: the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, passed in December 2024, along with its implementing rules and regulations.

“The goal is for every municipality in the country to have its own Ligtas Pinoy Center,” he explained. “This way, we can stop using schools as evacuation sites. The President has made it clear: students’ education shouldn’t be disrupted by disasters.”