PNP intensifies assistance in Albay following Mayon massive ashfall

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it stepped up its operations in Albay as Mayon Volcano’s ashfall continues to affect nearby communities.

“We are working on it in order to secure, assist our kababayan who are affected in this ashfall,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in an ambush interview.

(We are working on it in order to secure, assist our kababayans who are affected by this ashfall.)

“Actually, it's not only about the ashfall. But months before this ashfall, tuloy-tuloy na po yung pulis natin na nagpapatrol at tumutulong dyan. And the rest of the security assistance as well as public safety assistance na ginagawa ng PNP, patuloy po yan,” he added.

(Actually, it's not only about the ashfall. But months before this ashfall, our police have been continuously patrolling, assisting there, and the rest of the security assistance, as well as public safety assistance that the PNP is doing.)

More than 100 barangays and nearly 200,000 individuals have been affected by the massive ashfall on Saturday. Over 4,000 residents have been evacuated so far.

The PNP mobilized personnel and equipment to lead clearing operations in ash-covered communities, particularly in Camalig, Guinobatan, and Ligao City.

Police units have been working to remove thick ash deposits from major roads to ensure unhampered access for emergency responders and relief convoys.

Passengers shield their faces from ashfall from Mayon Volcano on a road in Camalig, Albay, May 2, 2026. Photo courtesy Mayor Caloy Baldo

Police visibility

To address hazardous road conditions, the PNP has deployed additional traffic personnel and increased police visibility along key routes.

Officers are using patrol lights and issuing real-time advisories to guide motorists through areas with near-zero visibility caused by ashfall.

The PNP also strengthened checkpoints and monitoring in critical areas to prevent entry into identified danger zones and maintain public order.

Mobile police units have been equipped with specialized search and rescue tools as well as high-powered lighting to support night operations, particularly in isolated or hard-to-reach areas affected by ash accumulation.

Police personnel are also assisting in the distribution of face masks and coordinating with local government units, the Office of Civil Defense, and disaster response agencies for evacuation, rescue, and relief efforts.

The PNP has also deployed teams to help manage evacuation centers, ensuring the safety and orderly stay of displaced residents. — RSJ, GMA News