DOT suspends non-essential travel near Mayon Volcano

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has suspended non-essential travel in areas surrounding Mayon Volcano amid heightened volcanic activity.

In a statement issued Sunday, the DOT advised travelers to remain vigilant and reconfirm their bookings before proceeding with their trips.

The agency urged travelers to “...rely only on official advisories issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), concerned local government units (LGUs), and the DOT.".

The suspension follows successive volcanic activity from Mayon that has triggered ashfall across parts of Albay.

“The volcano continues to exhibit lava effusion, rockfall events, volcanic earthquakes, and pyroclastic density currents, which are actively affecting nearby communities and tourism sites,” the DOT said.

“The Department underscores that the safety and well-being of tourists and tourism workers remain paramount and will continue to monitor the situation closely in coordination with concerned agencies,” it added.

Mayon remains under Alert Level 3, indicating a high level of unrest.

Earlier on Tuesday, PHIVOLCS reported that pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), locally known as “uson,” were observed again between 7:19 a.m. and 7:26 a.m.—MCG, GMA News