PHIVOLCS: Metro Manila haze due to local pollutants, not Taal volcano

On Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) stated that the haze observed in Metro Manila on Monday was likely due to local pollutants rather than volcanic smog from Taal Volcano.

Director Teresito Bacolcol explained during an interview with INQUIRER.net that weak winds have kept pollutants at lower air levels, causing the haze.

Bacolcol noted that after Monday's rain, vog was only present within Taal Caldera and has not reached Metro Manila, while smog persists due to local pollutants.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) reported 'very unhealthy' air quality in several areas of NCR on Monday morning.

PHIVOLCS is currently awaiting further reports to confirm if there are any additional vog emissions around the Batangas area, but noted that rain could wash out pollutants and wind direction would determine whether vog reaches Metro Manila.