Talisay vice mayor warned over remarks vs. PHIVOLCS’ integrity

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday has warned a Batangas town mayor for criticizing the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology's warnings as regards Taal Volcano's eruption.

According to Jun Veneracion's report on "24 Oras",  Talisay vice mayor Charlie Natanauan could be sanctioned for his remarks against the state volcanologists.

"He's a public official and he is accountable for his statements," DILG-Southern Tagalog regional director Elias Fernandez said.

Natanauan was earlier quoted as encouraging his constituents to return to their town despite PHIVOLCS' warnings on Taal Volcano's unrest.

He added that PHIVOLCS only based its warnings on state volcanology bureau director Renato Solidum Jr.'s opinions.

"Siya ba ay Diyos?," Natanauan said.

Meanwhile, PHIVOLCS said they understand the sentiments of Natanauan but added that their updates on Taal Volcano were based on science.

"We can understand that he is under so much stress. We would like to respect 'yong feelings ni vice mayor but at the same time, we are firm in our science. We are doing our best," PHIVOLCS volcano monitoring eruption and prediction division chief Ma. Antonia Bornas said.

According to PHIVOLCS, Talisay is within the 14-kilometer danger zone and could be affected should the hazardous eruption occurred.

"We will be the first one to say if it's safe to go back," Bornas added.

Alert Level 4 is still remains over Taal Volcano, which means hazardous explosive eruption may possibly occur within hours or days.

Batangas, Cavite and Tagaytay City were already declared under state of calamities. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News