President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. said the government is ready to implement a long-term plan to ensure the safety of residents affected by the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island.
In a statement on Tuesday, Marcos noted that the plan includes identifying safe evacuation sites and establishing permanent relocation areas.
Marcos also ordered the government to establish a National Task Force on Kanlaon, keeping its small composition led by the Office of the National Defense under the supervision of the Department of National Defense.
The President stressed the need for a plan to move people out of danger zones and build large evacuation centers.
“That's the one item we have to decide [on]—the location of the evacuation centers. Once again, let's coordinate very closely with the local governments,” he said.
“They already have some proposals. Tingnan lang natin kung talagang (Let’s see) it's scientifically correct in terms of the choice… And then [let's see] how we regulate the rebuilding in the different towns,” he added.
The Chief Executive likewise ordered other agencies to continue supporting localities affected by Kanlaon’s unrest.
“There should be good coordination between the national and local governments,” he said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the eastern side of Kanlaon Volcano is still inflating, at least at the upper slopes.
Nine tremors have been recorded in the past 24 hours.
Kanlaon’s explosive eruption occurred on 9 December 2024.