Duterte approves no man's land declaration for Taal Volcano Island

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana urged President Rodrigo Duterte to declare Taal Volcano Island a "no man's land" to prevent further casualties.

President Duterte approved recommendations for a permanent ban on human settlement on the island and total evacuation within a 14-kilometer radius.

The declaration was based on advice from the NDRRMC and Phivolcs, who warned of a possible "hazardous" eruption within hours to days.

Phivolcs recorded a total of 466 volcanic earthquakes since Sunday, January 12, with 156 of these felt.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año will oversee the implementation of the order, noting that funds are needed to relocate the approximately 4,000 residents of the island.

Civil aviation authorities are alerted to avoid the airspace around the volcano, and the public is advised to prepare for prolonged ashfall.

President Duterte pledged continued government assistance to affected communities, including food supplies, relief items, and road clearing operations.