No returning to Taal Island homes

Authorities have prohibited residents from returning to their homes on Taal Island and in nearby towns following the volcanic eruption for safety reasons.

The Philippine Coast Guard is preventing people from accessing Taal Island, with patrols on Taal Lake to keep residents from the Volcano Island.

PCG previously allowed some residents to return to save livestock, but this has been prohibited as of Wednesday.

Batangas Provincial Police have established blockades in San Nicolas, Agoncillo, and Talisay to stop people from entering areas affected by hazardous ashfall.

Colonel Edwin Quilates, director of the Batangas Provincial Police, urged residents to cooperate for their own safety.

Only military, police, and emergency personnel are allowed entry into the heavily affected zones.

Talisay town has been placed on lockdown by the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection due to safety concerns after the Taal Volcano's eruption.

In Balete, authorities are monitoring the area and preventing residents from entering, urging those still in the area to evacuate as the volcano is only 15 kilometers away.