Taal Volcano erupts several times during weekend; Alert Level 1 still up

Taal Volcano experienced several minor eruptions during the weekend but authorities advised the public not to be alarmed with the recent volcanic activity.

In Jamie Santos’ 24 Oras Weekend report, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded three minor eruptions from the main crater of Taal Volcano on Saturday and Sunday.

The eruptions, caused by the interaction of water and magma underneath the volcano, attracted several tourists to the area while some residents said that although they are used to it, felt these recent ones felt stronger.

According to Phivolcs, the volcano emitted a large plume that reached a kilometer in height. At around 3 a.m. Sunday, Taal experienced another minor phreatic eruption. This was followed by two phreatomagmatic eruptions at past 8 a.m. The plumes of these two eruptions were recorded at more than two kilometers high.

“Wala naman, wala na tayong nai-report na nakarating ‘yung abo sa communities although ang nakarating sa atin ay may sulfuric smell sa may bandang Laurel, which is on the western side pero wala namang dapat ipangamba,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said to GMA Integrated News.

(We did not receive reports of ash reaching communities although what reached us was the smell of sulfur around Laurel on the western side but there is no cause for alarm.)

Volcano Island was declared a permanent danger zone and is closed to the public.

Residents of the town of Agoncillo in Batangas were surprised by this weekend’s eruptions.

Pale Alilio, a resident, said their community experienced ashfall and smelled sulfur. 

The mayor of Agoncillo said the situation has returned to normal and that no evacuations took place. 

Those from the town of Talisay on the shore of Taal Lake were also caught by unawares by the strength of the eruptions.

In Tagaytay City, there was a mix of tourists who wanted to watch the eruptions and those who were unaware that eruptions have taken place during the day. 

Phivolcs said that compared to 2025, Taal Volcano has fewer eruptions this year. The agency said they continue to monitor the volcano which is currently on Alert Level 1. 

“In October last year, there were 36 events in one month. So ito actually kung titignan natin ang number of events starting this year until now, mas konti ngayon kaysa last year,” Bacolcol said. 

(Its fewer now compared to last year.)

Phivolcs advised the public to follow its public advisories and notifications from local authorities. —RF, GMA Integrated News