Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police and Philippine Air Force assist residents leave their homes at Barangay Buso-Buso in Laurel town in Batangas following forced evacuation on Sunday, July 3, 2021. Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—The National Telecommunications Commission ordered public telecommunications entities to deploy free charging and calling situations in evacuation sites across Batangas City amid Taal Volcano’s activities.
The NTC also ordered its public entities to ensure that adequate technical and support personnel along with standby generators are available.
“Pursuant to Memorandum Order No. 05-04-2011, you are hereby directed to ensure that there are sufficient number of technical and support personnel and standby generators with extra fuel, tools, and spare equipment in the areas affected by the recent volcanic activity of Taal Volcano,” wrote NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba in a memorandum.
“You are directed to apply to deploy Libreng Tawag and Libreng Charging Stations in evacuation sites identified by the Provincial Government of Batangas. You are also reminded to coordinate with the LGUs [local government units] and observe strict health protocols to avoid transmission of COVID-19.”
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised Alert Level 3 on Taal Volcano with magma extruding from the main crater that could lead to explosive eruption.
The entire Taal Volcano island is under permanent danger zone with the public prohibited from entering the area as well as high-risk barangays Agoncillo and Laurel.
Phivolcs warned of pycroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should strong eruptions occur.
While evacuation is not yet recommended, Phivolcs warned the communities around Taal Lake to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures against possible ash and vog.
Evacuation may be executed should the volcano’s unrest intensifies.