PHIVOLCS: Taal eruptions will not obstruct sabungero search

BACOLOD CITY – Taal Volcano’s recent unrest will not impede the search for the remains of the missing sabungeros, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said on Monday.

In an interview with GMA News Online, PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said the search area was located outside the volcano’s permanent danger zone.

This meant that the Taal Lake, where the dives are taking place, was not affected by the three eruptions that happened on Sunday morning.

“Ang recommended lang natin na huwag puntahan is Taal Volcano Island. Yung lawa naman is outside the permanent danger zone,” he shared.

(What we recommended not visit is only the Taal Volcano Island. The lake is outside the permanent danger zone.)

Bacolcol said the eruption would not further bury or cause obstacles in the search. This is because ashfall was mostly limited to Volcano Island.

“Ang ash basically nandoon lang naman sa Taal Volcano, sa crater lang naman yan. Although, meron naman mapapadpad doon [sa search area], it’s very thin. Hindi naman [macocompromise yung search],” he continued.

(The ash is basically only there at the Taal Volcano, just at the crater. Although, there may be some that will fall within [at the search area], it’s very thin. It will not [compromise the search.])

Earlier, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the suspension of the search for the remains of the missing sabungeros due to the Taal Volcano's eruptions.

“Primarily, there is significantly poor underwater visibility. However, all operating units remain on standby and area prepared to resume operations once weather conditions improve,” said DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez.

So far, Martinez said they were able to retrieve 887 human bones from Taal Lake from July 10 to Oct. 12. — JMA, GMA Integrated News