Amid the growing unease surrounding the Mayon Volcano, Albay is placing itself on high alert, with police deployed at checkpoints to restrict access to dangerous areas, including the frequently visited Mayon Skyline in Tabaco City as of January 1, 2026. (Image credit: Police Lt. Col. Malou Calubaquib)
In Legazpi City, the Disaster Operation Center for Albay has stepped up its readiness in anticipation of a potential eruption from the renowned Mayon Volcano. Governor Noel Rosal has called upon all disaster management teams across the various cities, towns, and communities near the volcano to prepare for emergency situations.
In an advisory released on New Year's Day, Rosal emphasized, "Everyone is urged to remain vigilant and to await official updates and guidance from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and local officials." As the chair of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, he has mandated local law enforcement to prohibit any human activities within the designated permanent danger zone, which extends six kilometers from the volcano.
Furthermore, he has prohibited the use of all-terrain vehicles beyond the vicinity of the Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga town, while also restricting tourists from accessing the Mayon Skyline area in Tabaco City. In light of the situation, Rosal has advised aviation authorities to warn pilots against flying over the volcano due to safety concerns.
On December 31, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised Mayon Volcano’s alert level to Level 2 after observing a notable increase in rockfall activity, with a staggering 599 incidents recorded in the past two months alone. Resident volcanologist Deborah Fernandez shared with the Philippine Information Agency that specifically on December 31, there were 47 recorded rockfall events. These rockfalls consist of volcanic debris that collapses from the summit crater.
Fernandez indicated that this uptick in rockfall incidents points to the growth of the lava dome atop Mayon, raising alarms about a possible eruption, reminiscent of the event that unfolded in 2023. Phivolcs has cautioned that the continuous rise in rockfalls, along with noticeable swelling on the volcano's slopes, signifies an increased likelihood of an eruption. Should this occur, it could pose "life-threatening" volcanic dangers to nearby populations, according to the agency.
Jess Mantes, a resident of Sitio Libtong in Barangay Matnog, Daraga, which lies close to the permanent danger zone, reported frequently hearing crackling sounds attributed to falling rocks. He expressed his readiness to evacuate if authorities decide to relocate those living within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
