By Connie Calipay

ACTIVE VOLCANO. Mayon Volcano emits a visible plume drifting southwest on Sunday (April 5, 2026). Phivolcs on Monday (April 6) said it is closely monitoring the volcano’s activity, reminding the public to stay alert and follow established safety protocols. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Caloy Baldo)

LEGAZPI CITY – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) bared Monday the continued unrest at both Mayon Volcano and Bulusan Volcano based on its 24-hour monitoring, with alert levels remaining elevated due to ongoing volcanic activity.

Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating intensified unrest driven by magmatic processes. Phivolcs said lava effusion continues to generate flows along the Basud, Bonga, and Mi-isi gullies, accompanied by episodic minor Strombolian activity and short-lived lava fountaining.

During the monitoring period, Mayon recorded 159 volcanic earthquakes, hundreds of rockfall events, and multiple pyroclastic density current signals. A 500-meter-high plume with moderate emissions drifted southwest, while sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions reached 2,558 tonnes per day. The edifice of the volcano remains inflated.

Entry into the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited due to hazards such as lava flows, rockfalls, ballistic fragments, pyroclastic density currents, and lahars during heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, Bulusan Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest. Monitoring data showed 63 volcanic earthquakes over the past 24 hours.

Sulfur dioxide emissions averaged 94 tonnes per day as of March 23, while a 70-meter-high plume with moderate emissions drifted southwest. Ground deformation data indicate short-term deflation in the volcano’s southern sector.

Phivolcs warned that Bulusan may still generate sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions despite the relatively low alert status.

Entry into the four-kilometer PDZ and unregulated access to the Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) remain strictly prohibited. Aviation authorities are also advised to avoid flying close to the volcano due to potential hazards.

Phivolcs said it continues to closely monitor both volcanoes and urges the public and local government units to remain alert and adhere to official advisories as volcanic activity persists. (With a report from Melrose Lagonoy, OJT/PNA)