PCG, PHIVOLCS probing entry of 4 foreign tourists into Taal Volcano danger zone

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is investigating the alleged unauthorized entry of four foreign tourists who entered the Taal Volcano’s permanent danger zone (PDZ) last Sunday.

In a statement, the Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog said the presence of the tourists at the crater in Barangay Alas-as, San Nicolas was confirmed through immediate verification and seaborne patrol operations.

The PCG said the tourists hired a motorbanca and entered the volcano’s PDZ to take photographs.

Taal Volcano is currently at Alert Level 1 or a low level of unrest. 

“Investigation revealed that the boat owner and operator claimed they were unaware of the existing entry restrictions,” it added.

The PCG, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), and the Protected Area Management Board of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape are conducting a joint probe to determine the exact violations of protected area protocols and their legal liabilities.

Meanwhile, PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the Taal Volcano’s PDZ spans the entire volcano island and that it is off-limits to everyone.

“Bawal po talagang pumasok sa isla. (It is prohibited to enter the island.) It is really dangerous because Taal Volcano can produce sudden phreatic (steam-driven) or even phreatomagmatic eruptions with little or no warning,” state volcanologists said.

They added that volcanic gases and other dangerous gases may cause suffocation.

“Enforcement is within the purview of the concerned local government units, in coordination with agencies such as the PCG. We really hope the public will adhere to these restrictions because they are in place to protect lives,” PHIVOLCS added. — JMA, GMA Integrated News