Marcos: Gov’t to follow protocols as Taal Volcano erupts

Taal Volcano emits steam-driven plumes as seen from Tagaytay-Talisay Road, Tagaytay City, Cavite province on July 9, 2021. INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured the public that the government is ready to respond to any possible hazards of the eruption of Taal Volcano as protocols are in place.

In an ambush interview in Pasig City, Marcos said there are standard operating procedures (SOPs) that government agencies follow in times of calamity.

“We have SOPs in place, we have standard procedures…When a volcano erupts, or when storms come, or lumindol (earthquake), or whatever, they know what to do,” he said.

READ: Taal Volcano erupts; Alert Level 1 stays

Marcos also noted that authorities are currently monitoring the situation to see what areas need special attention.

“The people that we have there know what to do; that’s why I put them there so you know we’ll just monitor the situation as soon as possible,” he said.

“Right now, Phivolcs is saying huwag muna natin alalahanin masyado (we should not worry too much yet) but I’m sure they will play it safe. If ever needed, we will have to move people out of the danger area like we always do,” he added.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Taal Volcano had a phreatomagmatic eruption on Wednesday afternoon. It happens when erupting magma comes into contact with water.

The volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating that hydrothermal or tectonic activity beneath the volcano may be occurring.