Military’s Solcom team assists Mayon evacuees

Mayon volcano as of January 16, 2018, 8 am. Contributed photo by Vynce Opeña

LUCENA CITY — As volcanologists warned of a possible hazardous eruption of Mt. Mayon in Albay province, the military’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) has placed its disaster response units (DRUs) on active mode.

Lt. General Danilo Pamonag, Solcom commander, said while they maintain close coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Bicol region some of their disaster response teams are already assisting the local disaster management councils in the evacuation of residents in the affected remote villages in Guinobatan and Camalig towns.

“Solcom is ready to give further assistance and support to the efforts of OCD 5, local government units and all stakeholders in Albay,” Pamonag said in a statement.

He said soldiers are on standby for possible worsening of Mt. Mayon.

Pamonag said the military’s disaster response personnel and mobility assets are all prepositioned in Camp Simeon Ola in Legazpi City for quick and continuous deployment to assist evacuees.

Pamonag said OCD regional director, retired Brigadier General Claudio Yucot, was the former Brigade Commander of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade of 9th Infantry Division which covers the entire province of Albay.

“He is also well-versed in the mobilization of our DRUs which will make the response operations more efficient,” Pamonag said.

On Sunday night, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Alert Level 3 over Mayon after observations noted lava flow.

Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum said they are closely monitoring Mayon for the possible hazardous eruption within days or weeks. /je

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