The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Mayon Volcano continues to show signs of intensified and magmatic unrest, with ongoing lava flows, volcanic earthquakes, and ash emissions recorded over the weekend.
In its latest bulletin, PHIVOLCS said lava flows reached up to 3.8 kilometers along Basud Gully, 3.2 kilometers in Bonga Gully, and 1.6 kilometers in Mi-isi Gully.
Ma. Antonia Bornas, head of the agency’s Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division, said Alert Level 3 remains in effect despite the continued activity.
“There was no change in the overall monitoring parameters,” Bornas said. “What happened was that the newest lava flow in Mi-isi Gully… started collapsing, leading to successive pyroclastic density currents.”
PHIVOLCS also recorded 32 volcanic earthquakes, including 25 tremors lasting up to 15 minutes, along with 284 rockfall events and 14 pyroclastic density current (PDC) signals.
Ashfall was reported in several areas, including Camalig, Guinobatan, and Ligao City, affecting at least 52 barangays, according to the Office of Civil Defense.
Bobby Cristobal, head of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, said some residents evacuated amid fears for their safety.
“Dito sa Camalig, may mga natakot kaya lumikas… lahat ng nasa 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone, nasa evacuation center na sila,” Cristobal said.
He added that ash clouds have since eased, but authorities continue to monitor the volcano closely.
“Kailangan i-monitor muna for the next few days kung magbabago ba ‘yung behavior ng Mayon,” he said.
Despite calls from some evacuees to return home, local officials said this would not be allowed while Alert Level 3 remains in place.
PHIVOLCS reiterated that the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone must remain off-limits due to hazards such as lava flows, rockfalls, ballistic fragments, and pyroclastic density currents.
The agency also warned of possible lahars during heavy rains and advised against flying aircraft near the volcano.
Some flights were canceled on Sunday due to the ongoing unrest, according to aviation authorities.
Authorities said monitoring will continue as the volcano’s activity remains unpredictable in the coming days.
