PHIVOLCS: Alert Level 3 still up as Mayon releases increased seismic energy

State seismologists on Sunday recorded an increased seismic energy release in Mayon Volcano as Alert Level 3 remains hoisted due to pyroclastic density currents (PDC). 

“Starting today, 11 January 2026, a pronounced increase in real-time seismic energy release (RSAM) was recorded by six of 16 stations of the Mayon Volcano Network,” said PHIVOLCS. “This increase was induced by background tremor while no other volcanic earthquakes have been detected, which may be due to prevailing fully open vent conditions as the volcano effusively erupts.” 

However, PHIVOLCS noted that there was no increase in swelling or ground deformation in the volcano. 

PHIVOLCS earlier said Mayon Volcano had 256 rockfall events and 41 PDCs or "uson" in the past 24 hours

Further, sulfur dioxide emissions “remained near background levels”, averaging 777 tonnes per day as of Saturday, January 10, the state seismologists said. 

Under Alert Level 3, the public is strongly prohibited from entering the 6-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone due to the threats of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards. 

Residents within the 8-kilometer radius were advised to prepare for evacuation in case the situation escalates to Alert Level 4, said PHIVOLCS. 

PHIVOLCS explained that pyroclastics are fragmented volcanic particles. When these mix with hot gases and ash, they form what are known as PDCs.

The state seismic bureau also warned that PDCs are life-threatening as it could be as hot as 1,000 degrees Celsius. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News