Philippine National Police Places Units on Alert Near Taal Volcano

Strategic Insights -

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has alerted its units in the Calabarzon region to assist in the possible evacuation of residents near Taal Volcano, which continues to emit sulfur dioxide (SO2). PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has directed police offices to coordinate with local government units to identify residents in need of assistance due to the volcano's unrest. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised the alert level to 2, warning of potential steam-driven or gas explosions. The police have also been instructed to monitor the volcano's activity and assist affected residents.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed its units in the Calabarzon region on alert to assist in the possible evacuation of residents near Taal Volcano.
  • PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has directed police offices to coordinate with local government units to identify residents in need of assistance due to the volcano's unrest.
  • The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised the alert level to 2, warning of potential steam-driven or gas explosions.
  • The police have been instructed to monitor the volcano's activity and assist affected residents.
  • The entire Taal Volcano Island has been declared off-limits by Phivolcs.
  • Residents in the surrounding areas of Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, and the National Capital Region have been warned of potential SO2 exposure.
  • In January 2020, the police raised its security status on some areas in Calabarzon, especially in Batangas, following Taal Volcano's phreatic eruption.

Statistics:

  • 8 provinces are under potential SO2 exposure threat: (Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales)
  • 1 National Capital Region is under potential SO2 exposure threat
  • 1 entire Taal Volcano Island has been declared off-limits by Phivolcs

Sources:

  • Philippine National Police (PNP) statement, July 1.
  • Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), open satellite data information on July 1.
  • Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Philippines News Agency.