PHIVOLCS denies raising an Alert Level 5 on Taal Volcano

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Monday denied online rumors that an Alert Level 5, signifying that a hazardous eruption was in progress, had been raised over the Taal Volcano.

“Wala pong katotohanan ang mga kumakalat na balita patungkol sa pagtaas ng Alert Level ng Taal Volcano sa Alert Level 5 na nakikita natin sa mga iba't-ibang social media accounts,” the PHIVOLCS said on Facebook. 

The institute clarified that Taal Volcano, which experienced a phreatic or steam-driven eruption on Sunday afternoon, was still under an Alert Level 4 signifying that a “hazardous explosive eruption” was imminent.

The Alert Level 4 was raised over the volcano at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. 

PHIVOLCS also emphasized that Alert Level 2 or “increasing unrest” had been raised over the Mayon Volcano since March 29, 2018.

“Wala pong katotohanan na ngayon lang itinaas ang Alert Level sa Mayon. Sa katunayan, ibinaba pa po ito from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 sa nasabing araw,” the bureau said.

Meanwhile, the Bulusan Volcano has been under Alert Level 1, meaning “low level of volcanic unrest,” since May 5, 2019.

PHIVOLCS advised the public to monitor official updates on their website and social media accounts only. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News