PNP readies for lahar flows in Mayon

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May 11, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — With the potential heavy rains that may be brought by Tropical Storm Caloy, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is preparing for possible lahar flows and other public safety concerns for people living near Mayon Volcano in the Bicol region.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered police units in Bicol to closely coordinate with local government units for strategic and unified disaster response that may include preemptive evacuation among vulnerable communities.

“We are in constant coordination with various government agencies to provide all the assistance in the interest of public safety. We are prioritizing the safety of residents and ensuring access routes remain passable for emergency response,” Nartatez said.

The Office of Civil Defense earlier raised concern over possible lahar flows due to the threat of Caloy, which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday night. The OCD warned that continuous and heavy rainfall over Mayon’s slopes could mobilize volcanic debris and endanger low-lying communities.

Nartatez said police personnel have been placed on standby for evacuation support and road-clearing operations by the local governments and disaster risk reduction offices.

Police units were ordered to ensure readiness of vehicles and equipment for rapid deployment, he added.

“The PNP urges the public to follow the advisories and instructions of authorities for their own safety. We ask everyone to remain alert and cooperative, especially those living near river channels and volcanic slopes that are prone to lahar flows,” Nartatez said.

On Saturday evening, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a short-lived lava fountaining at the summit crater of Mayon Volcano.

Phivolcs said the effusive eruption produced incandescent lava flows, pyroclastic density currents and frequent rockfalls. 

Alert Level 3 remains hoisted in Mayon, a status that prohibits entry into the six-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone and flying of aircraft close to the area. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said it is mobilizing immediate relief and recovery measures for farmers affected by the volcano eruption.

“Preliminary assessments by the DA-Regional Field Office V show that 102 hectares of crops within the six-kilometer-radius area have been damaged, resulting in production losses of 364 metric tons,” Agriculture Sec. Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. said.

The DA noted that 228 farmers were affected by the calamity and estimated financial loss to be at P13.02 million.

“Our teams are monitoring affected areas and coordinating with local governments to ensure timely aid, while protecting livestock through evacuation and health checks,” Tiu-Laurel said. — Josiah Antonio, Andrew Ronquillo