In a statement on Saturday, PRO-5 acting Director Brig. Gen. Erosito Miranda said the order aligns with the official notice of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO), which “strictly prohibits anyone, including residents, tourists, mountaineers, tour guides, and others, from climbing, entering, or staying in tourist areas and areas near Mayon Volcano.”
As part of heightened safety measures, police have tightened surveillance around Mayon Volcano, particularly at known access points, trails, and routes frequently used by climbers.
Chokepoints, checkpoints, and regular patrols are being established to prevent anyone from entering or climbing into prohibited areas.
APSEMO emphasized that the PDZ is extremely dangerous at all times due to the threat of lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, rockfall, and ashfall.
Miranda said the Philippine National Police continues to coordinate closely with local governments, APSEMO, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other concerned agencies to maintain order, ensure public safety, and be ready to respond immediately to sudden changes in volcanic activity.
He said the Reactionary Standby Support Force at the regional headquarters, Albay Police, and all surrounding police stations near Mayon Volcano, including mobile forces, were ordered to ensure readiness and immediate deployment if necessary.
Miranda encouraged the public “to cooperate with authorities, adhere to warnings and advisories, and avoid spreading false information.”
