Mayon Volcano recorded 19 volcanic earthquakes and nearly 300 rockfall events over a 24-hour period, prompting government officials on Monday to advocate for the permanent relocation of residents living near the active crater.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that between midnight Sunday and midnight Monday, the volcano also generated 57 pyroclastic density currents — fast-moving clouds of hot gas and debris. Sulfur dioxide emissions reached 3,788 ton on Sunday, and a glow from the crater remains visible to the naked eye.
Mayon remains under Alert Level 3, indicating a state of intensified or magmatic unrest. Authorities warned of potential hazards including lava flows, ballistic fragments, and lahars during heavy rainfall.
Officials reiterated that entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone is strictly prohibited, and aircraft are barred from flying near the summit.
As the unrest continues, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the government is shifting its focus toward long-term safety.
Remulla, who is scheduled to visit Albay this week, said about 1,000 families living within the highest-risk areas should be moved permanently to avoid the cycle of repeated emergency evacuations.
While some evacuees may be allowed to return home if conditions stabilize, Remulla stressed that permanent relocation sites are the priority to ensure residents are not displaced every time the volcano becomes active.
To recall, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported Sunday that it has provided more than P8.4 million in humanitarian aid to affected local governments in Albay.
DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said the agency is coordinating with local leaders to support more than 4,000 individuals currently staying in 12 evacuation centers.
Under a coordinated relief plan, local government units will provide food packs for the first 15 days of displacement, after which the DSWD will take over supplies, acknowledging that Mayon’s activity could be prolonged.