After the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised Mayon Volcano’s alert status from Level 1 to Level 2 due to increased activity on New Year’s Day, Albay Governor Noel Rosal announced on dzRH's Damdaming Bayan the strict implementation of safety measures, including a complete ban on all human activities within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ).
State volcanologists announced on Thursday, that Mayon Volcano in Albay was placed under Alert Level 2, citing a sustained rise in rockfall events over the past two months.
According to PHIVOLCS, visual and seismic monitoring recorded an increase in rockfall from the summit lava dome beginning in November 2025.
“Since November 2025, an increase in rockfall shed by the summit lava dome of Mayon Volcano has been recorded by visual and seismic monitors of the Mayon Volcano Network. A total of 599 rockfall events have been detected in the last two months of 2025, or an average of 10 events/day, but in the last week of December 2025, average rockfall increased to 21 events/day,” Phivolcs said in a statement.
Following the Phivolcs announcement, the governor said that authorities have temporarily suspended activities near the slopes of Mayon Volcano after the alert level upgrade.
“As early as kahapon, 8:00 of January 1, nagtaas tayo into Alert Level 2 [based from] the directives of the Phivolcs dahil medyo namamaga ang crater niya [Mayon].”
The provincial government has reiterated a “no human activity” policy within the 6-kilometer danger zone. Tourist activities such as ATV rides have been suspended, and popular attractions including the Mayon Skyline View Park have been temporarily closed.
Rosal also directed mayors of local government units surrounding Mayon Volcano to prepare for possible further escalation if volcanic activity intensifies.
“Directives now to all mayors na nasa paanan ng Mayon to prepare now for any further instructions kung tumaas ang activity niya i-raise natin sa Alert Level 3,” he said.
While there are no evacuees at present, Rosal clarified that residents in isolated communities within the 6-kilometer zone will be evacuated if Alert Level 3 is declared. An extended evacuation up to 8 kilometers may also be implemented for added safety.
Phivolcs has also advised flight operators to avoid flying close to Mayon Volcano, which remains under Alert Level 2, indicating increased to moderate volcanic unrest.
Rosal said that authorities and local government of Albay continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged the public to remain vigilant and comply with all safety advisories.
