Phivolcs chief says voting safe near active volcanoes, urges caution

The head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), Teresito Bacolcol, assured on Monday that it is safe for people to vote in areas with active volcanoes.

Bacolcol emphasized that residents should avoid permanent danger zones around these volcanoes, particularly those near Kanlaon Volcano which remains at Alert Level 3 indicating magmatic unrest and has recorded 72 volcanic earthquakes since midnight.

He advised communities within the 6-kilometer danger zone of Kanlaon to stay outside this area due to heightened activity and potential for hazardous eruptions.

Alert Level 1 prevails over Bulusan volcano, with increased seismic activities monitored by Phivolcs, recording a total of 309 volcanic earthquakes since midnight, indicating increased chances of phreatic eruptions.

Taal and Mayon volcanoes remain at Alert Level 1, signifying low volcanic activity, but Bacolcol urged the public to remain vigilant and follow official advisories from Phivolcs and local government units.