PNP now on full alert following Taal eruption

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now on full alert following the phreatic eruption of the Taal Volcano, forcing thousands out of their homes Sunday afternoon.

PNP officer-in-charge Archie Gamboa ordered full alert status for all units and offices at the national headquarters, national support units as well as Police Regional Officers (PRO) 3, 4 and the Metro Manila police.

Gamboa, the PNP statement said, also directed all personnel to be ready for deployment to assist in disaster and relief operations.

The PNP official had earlier earlier ordered the Metro Manila police to deploy six trucks to help in the evacuation efforts in Talisay, Batangas.

The Aviation Security Group and PRO 3 were, meanwhile, ordered to augment the security at Clark Airport after diversion of flights from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Taal’s heightened activity has forced airport authorities to ground flights for safety concerns and the cancellation of classes in all levels in Metro Manila and other affected areas.

Ashfall from Taal, the country’s second-most-active-volcano, affected nearby provinces and has reached as far as Quezon City.

The Taal Volcano is currently on Alert Level 4 which means that “hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours to days,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Cities in Metro Manila and other provinces have already suspended classes on Monday following the Taal Volcano’s latest activity.