The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert status of Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 3 on Tuesday, January 6, following successive pyroclastic density current (PDC) events, locally known as “uson,” and increasing volcanic activity.

Phivolcs reported at least 85 rockfall events recorded from Monday, January 5, to Tuesday, indicating escalating unrest at the volcano.

Alert Level 3 signifies magmatic unrest, with magma present near the crater and a higher likelihood of hazardous eruptions.

According to the agency, Alert Level 3 suggests ongoing magmatic activity at the summit lava dome, increasing the chances of lava flows and dangerous PDCs that may affect the upper and middle slopes of the volcano. Explosive eruptions may also occur within days or weeks.

From January 1 to the present, Phivolcs has logged 346 rockfall events and four volcanic earthquakes. This compares to 599 rockfall events recorded between November and December 2025. Each rockfall episode lasted between one and five minutes, carrying lava debris as far as one kilometer from the southern upper slopes of the volcano.

PHIVOLCS said the increasing frequency of rockfall events—particularly those that intensified on Monday—points to the rapid growth of the lava dome and the onset of new lava extrusion at the crater.

At around 12:26 p.m. on Tuesday, PDCs were observed forming along the Bonga Gully, traveling up to two kilometers from the summit in just three minutes.

While sulfur dioxide emissions remain within normal levels, ground deformation data show continuous swelling of the volcano’s eastern and southeastern flanks since June 2024. These observations indicate a slow but sustained rise of magma beneath the volcano.

PHIVOLCS reiterated its warning to the public to strictly avoid the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), comply with evacuation orders issued by local government units, and remain vigilant for possible ashfall, lava flows, and volcanic rockfalls.

In response, Camalig Mayor Caloy Baldo ordered the evacuation of residents within the 6-kilometer PDZ starting at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, as Alert Level 3 remains in effect.

The mayor directed all LGU-Camalig response units to ensure the immediate and orderly evacuation of residents in affected areas.