Marcos tells locals near Mt. Kanlaon to stay away from danger zone

This handout photo courtesy of Dollet Demaflies shows Mount Kanlaon volcano spewing a large plume of ash during an eruption as seen from La Castellana town, Negros occidental province, central Philippines on June 3, 2024. (Photo by Handout / Courtesy of Dollet Demaflies / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — Citizens affected by the Kanlaon volcano eruptions should steer clear of the danger zone, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday.

In a video message posted Tuesday, Marcos said that the government was working to ensure the safety of locals. He reiterated that Alert Level 2 has been raised within the vicinity of the volcano.

READ: Kanlaon Volcano erupts; Phivolcs raises Alert Level 2

“Ako rin ay nananawagan sa lahat na maging mapag matyag at iwasan ang four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone. Mangyaring sumunod sa mga payo at tagubilin mula sa mga lokal na otoridad,” said Marcos.

(I am also asking everyone to be vigilant and avoid the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone. Please follow the advisory and orders of local authorities.)

According to the President’s report, 170 families or 796 people have been impacted by the Kanlaon eruption.

“Namigay na tayo ng mga sleeping kits sa La Castellana at may 13,000 food packs na ang naka preposition sa Negros Island at may karagdagang 40,000 food packs at iba pang food items na paparating,” said Marcos.

(We have given sleeping kits to La Castellana, and 40,000 food packs and other non-food items have been prepositioned on Negros Island.)

Marcos also said air assets are also on standby should they be needed.

Kanlaon erupted on Monday evening, prompting authorities to raise the Alert level 2.