MAYON Volcano continues to show heightened magmatic unrest, marked by sustained lava dome effusion and collapse, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
In the past 24 hours, Phivolcs logged two volcanic earthquakes, 72 rockfall events, and 100 pyroclastic density current (PDC) occurrences, prompting authorities to keep Alert Level 3 in effect.
Monitoring from 12 a.m. January 8 to 12 a.m. January 9 showed ongoing lava dome activity at the summit crater, with incipient lava flows and a visible crater glow, signaling persistent high-temperature conditions. Sulfur dioxide emissions were measured at 195 tonnes per day, indicating continued degassing.
Phivolcs also reported a moderate volcanic plume rising up to 1,000 meters and drifting west-southwest, while ground deformation data confirmed that the volcano remains inflated due to magma intrusion.
Ashfall was confirmed in Barangay Busay, Daraga, while light ash deposits were reported in Barangay San Francisco and Barangay Travesia in Guinobatan. Other affected areas are still under verification.
With Alert Level 3 maintained, Phivolcs reiterated that entry into the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited and warned against unguarded access to the Extended Danger Zone. Aircraft were also advised to avoid flying near the volcano due to ash and ballistic hazards.
Residents and local governments were reminded of potential threats, including rockfalls, lava flows, PDCs, volcanic explosions, and possible lahars during heavy rainfall. Authorities urged the public to rely only on official advisories.
Despite the unrest, the Albay Provincial Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office (PTCAO) assured that the province remains open to tourists, provided safety protocols are strictly followed.
“For those planning to visit Albay, the first priority is to make sure that your destination is safe. You may contact the Provincial Tourism Office through our official page or hotline for verified information,” PTCAO chief Dorothy Colle said.
Colle emphasized that all tourist sites within the 6-kilometer PDZ remain closed, including popular trails and Mayon Volcano Natural Park, while designated viewing areas are located beyond the 8-kilometer danger zone.
“We in the tourism industry are aware that this phenomenon attracts visitors. It’s not every day that people get to witness what others describe as ‘fire in the sky.’ However, we strongly remind tourists and spectators to strictly comply with the no-entry policy within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines confirmed that Bicol International Airport remains fully operational, with increased runway inspections due to minimal ash presence.
“Safety first,” Colle said, adding that Albay’s beaches, waterfalls, and heritage sites remain safe alternatives for visitors.