Año orders strict lockdown of Taal danger zone

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has ordered a strict and complete lockdown of the 14-kilometer danger zone around Taal Volcano, prohibiting any visiting hours.

This decision by the DILG chief comes as Alert Level 4 signifies a potential major eruption, making these measures crucial for public safety.

Local government officials had previously allowed 'window hours' for residents to retrieve belongings, but this practice is now disallowed.

Office of the Civil Defense Deputy Administrator Casiano Monilla echoed the sentiment, stating that authorities must strictly implement the evacuation of residents within the danger zone.

Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Head Lito Castro confirmed that the governor will not allow window hours, emphasizing compliance with forced evacuation orders.

DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III reiterated that local disaster risk reduction and management councils have been directed to forbid entry within the danger zone.

Phivolcs has not downgraded Taal Volcano's Alert Level 4 status due to its continued restive activity.

The agricultural sector has suffered over P3 billion in damages, while assistance worth P17 million has been provided by the DSWD and DOH.