Palace closely monitoring Taal situation, urges public vigilance

Malacañang said the government was closely monitoring the situation at the Taal Volcano, where a phreatic eruption took place Sunday morning.

In a statement Sunday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that President Rodrigo Duterte had "given instructions to undertake measures necessary to place the people within the perimeter of Taal out of the danger zone."

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) earlier raised the alert status on Taal to Alert Level 3 from Alert Level 2, according to its 4 p.m. bulletin.

Alert Level 3 signifies that magma was near or at the surface and activity could lead to a hazardous eruption.

"Concerned agencies of the national government are now working closely with the Provincial Government of Batangas to ensure the safety of the residents, including their evacuation," Panelo added.

He also urged the public to "continue to remain vigilant." — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News