MikeLigalig.com

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo on Monday asked the Batangas Provincial Government and local officials of nearby towns to be ready in the evacuation and relocation of residents as the Taal Volcano in Talisay town continued to show heightened activity.

This developed as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) upgraded the alert level status of the volcano from 1 to 2 after at least 21 volcanic quakes were detected by the seismic network in the past 24 hours.

Phivolcs said Alert Level 2 indicates unrest probably of magmatic origin that could eventually lead to eruption.

The DILG Secretary said the local disaster risk reduction management council should identify possible relocation sites such as public schools and town plazas where affected residents may temporarily seek shelter should an eruption occurs.

The council should also constantly coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) who can help them during evacuation and relief efforts, he said.

Robredo also directed DILG regional and field officials to extend the necessary assistance and support to the affected towns in the formulation of a responsive and doable contingency plan, and to assist them for the possible use of their calamity funds.

He likewise urged the public to cooperate with local authorities by keeping away from the Main Crater and the Daang Kastila Trail at the northeastern slope and Mt. Tabaro, which are strictly off-limits.

The entire volcano island is a permanent danger zone, and permanent settlement is strictly not recommended, according to Phivolcs.

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