As Mayon Volcano shows signs of unrest, the situation in Albay has escalated to a red alert, prompting police to set up checkpoints aimed at preventing curious tourists from entering restricted areas, including the well-known Mayon Skyline located in Tabaco City. This precautionary measure was taken on January 1, 2026, and highlights the growing concern for public safety amidst the volcanic activity.
In Legazpi City, the Disaster Operation Center is now on high alert, making preparations for a potential eruption of Mayon Volcano, one of the Philippines' most active volcanoes. Governor Noel Rosal has issued a call to all disaster management councils across the various cities, towns, and villages that lie in proximity to the volcano, urging them to be ready for any emergency responses that may be necessary.
"Everyone is instructed to remain vigilant and await official updates and further advisories from Phivolcs and local authorities," said Rosal, who leads the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, in an advisory released on New Year’s Day.
In a bid to ensure safety, Rosal has mandated local law enforcement to enforce a strict ban on any human activities within the permanent danger zone, which extends six kilometers from the volcano's summit. He also specified that the use of all-terrain vehicles is not allowed beyond the vicinity of the Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga town, and access to the Mayon Skyline in Tabaco City has been prohibited for visitors. Additionally, he advised aviation authorities to alert pilots against flying over the volcano, further emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
According to a bulletin released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on December 31, the alert level for Mayon Volcano was raised to Level 2. This decision came in response to a notable uptick in rockfalls, with a staggering 599 incidents recorded over the past two months alone. Resident volcanologist Deborah Fernandez shared that on December 31, there were 47 rockfall events noted, underscoring the increasing volatility of the volcano.
Rockfalls consist of volcanic debris cascading down from the summit crater, and Fernandez indicated that the recent increase in these events points toward growth in the lava dome atop Mayon. Such development raises alarms about the likelihood of an eruption, reminiscent of the events that transpired in 2023.
Phivolcs has cautioned that the ongoing rockfall activity, combined with swelling observed on the slopes of the volcano, could indicate an imminent risk of eruption. Should this occur, it would pose "life-threatening" volcanic hazards to surrounding communities, according to their assessment.
Local resident Jess Mantes, who lives in Sitio Libtong within Barangay Matnog in Daraga, expressed his concerns about the situation. He reported frequently hearing crackling sounds associated with the falling rocks and conveyed his readiness to evacuate if authorities decide to relocate residents from the permanent danger zone.
The community is bracing itself for any developments, as the tension between nature’s power and human habitation continues to unfold in this picturesque yet perilous setting.
