By Cristina Arayata
MANILA – Communities near the Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island are advised to stay indoors and wear masks due to ash emissions, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Monday.
“During ash fall, they should stay indoors and close the windows and doors,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said in an interview over Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
If people need to go out, Bacolcol suggested they wear a well-fitting N95 mask and an eye protection.
A surgical mask as well as a damp cloth can be used if an N95 mask is unavailable, he said.
Aside from ash fall, Bacolcol said the other threats are volcanic dust, ballistic projectiles, pyroclastic density current and an explosive eruption.
“The four-kilometer permanent danger zone should remain evacuated. Communities within six kilometers should remain vigilant and ready in case the alert level is raised to Level 3. Heed the instructions of their local government units,” Bacolcol stressed.
Kanlaon Volcano is currently under Alert Level 2, which means there is an increased volcanic unrest. Further emissions are possible, according to Bacolcol.
Phivolcs recorded at least five ash emission episodes on Monday, with the latest recorded from 5:45 to 7:24 a.m., and produced a plume reaching 300 meters above the crater.
A short-lived moderately explosive eruption was recorded last Oct. 10, Bacolcol added. (PNA)
DANGER ZONE. The Kanlaon Volcano as posted on the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Facebook page on Monday (Oct. 12, 2026). Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol, in an interview over Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon during the day, advised communities near the volcano in Negros Island to stay indoors and wear masks since the volcano is currently under Alert Level 2, which means there is an increased volcanic unrest. (Screenshot from Phivolcs FB)
