DILG urges LGUs, residents to stay alert amid Kanlaon and Taal unrest

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday urged local government units (LGUs) and residents near Kanlaon and Taal Volcano to remain on heightened alert following recent volcanic activities.

In a statement, the DILG directed LGUs to activate their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs), preposition emergency supplies, and ensure the readiness and safety of evacuation centers.

“Continuous coordination with Phivolcs and concerned local authorities is strongly urged,” the agency said.

The advisory comes after Kanlaon Volcano’s eruption on 24 October, which prompted the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to maintain Alert Level 2, indicating moderate unrest and the possibility of additional ash emissions or short-lived explosions.

Residents within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone are advised to stay evacuated, while those within a six-kilometer radius are urged to remain vigilant and ready for possible escalation of volcanic activity.

Meanwhile, the DILG also instructed local officials in Batangas and Cavite to implement precautionary measures following Taal Volcano’s two minor phreatomagmatic eruptions at its main crater on Sunday.

Entry into Taal Volcano Island, including the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissure, remains strictly prohibited.

The department reminded local governments to prepare for possible increases in volcanic sulfur dioxide emissions and enforce health and safety measures to protect residents. Coordination with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)–Calabarzon was also advised to ensure unified response actions.

The public is urged to take precautionary health measures such as wearing N95 masks, avoiding direct eye contact with ash particles, and staying hydrated. Households are also encouraged to keep emergency Go Bags with food, water, protective gear, first aid kits, and essential medicines.

“Let us uphold vigilance, preparedness, and cooperation to keep our families and communities safe,” the DILG said.