Calabarzon police on alert as Taal Volcano acts up

Taal Volcano Island   (INQUIRER/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday placed the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) regional police on alert for the possible evacuation of resident affected by Taal Volcano’s increasing activity. 

 In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar ordered local police to begin coordinating with local government units to determine if there are residents in need of assistance as well as monitoring developments on the volcano’s activity.

 “Ngayon pa lamang po ay simulan na natin ang pakikipag-coordinate sa mga lokal na opisyal para agad tayong makapagbigay ng tulong sa mga residenteng apektado nitong kasalukuyang activity ng bulkan,” Eleazar said. 

 (We should already start coordinating with local officials so that we can immediately provide assistance to the residents affected by the current activity of the volcano.)

“Mas maganda po na tayo’y maging alerto at handa para matiyak ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa (It’s better to be alert and be ready to ensure everyone’s safety),” he added. 

 The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Wednesday that sulfur dioxide (SO2) plumes from Taal Volcano have already reached Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

State volcanologists said that this caused sulfuric smog — which can cause irritation on eyes, nose and throat — to prevail in areas around the Taal Volcano, including parts of Metro Manila.

Phivolcs has hoisted Alert Level 2 over Taal Volcano since the volcano erupted last year, January 12, 2020. This means sudden phreatic explosions can occur in the said volcano. 

Phivolcs has also reminded the public that the entire Taal Volcano Island is off-limits. 

 “Sisiguraduhin po nating walang makalalapit sa nasabing isla (We will make sure that no one can approach the island),” Eleazar assured.

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