Possible charges await a group of mountaineers who climbed the Mayon Volcano despite an existing prohibition while the volcano remains under Alert Level 1.

A viral video of the group's ascent sparked reactions from netizens and local authorities have denounced the illegal activity. 

The group's actions violated Provincial Ordinance No. 2016-23, which imposes a P5,000 fine for unauthorized entry into the perimeter zone.

The Provincial Tourism Office did not issue any permit or clearance to the group.

“Ang impact na ginawa nila dyan [ay] insult yan sa probinsya, kaya pag ininsulto ang probinsiya, [na] insulto lahat ng Albayanos dahil sa ginawa nila… yung ginawa nila, [kahit] na alam nilang bawal, pumasok pa rin sila,” Dr. Cedric Daep, Head of the Albay Provincial Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO), said.

Authorities are also investigating the possible involvement of local guides who may have assisted the group in climbing to the summit.

“At kung may mga tour guide pa dun, mga mountaineers na tumulong din na mga local, sana po makuha rin namin yung mga detalye para ‘wag nang pamarisan. So I’m also asking the help of every agency concerned also para tulungan kami, [at] para managot po itong mga tao na ‘to.” Herbie Aguas, Regional Director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 5, said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol reminded the public to adhere to protocols, especially that the Mayon Volcano is still experiencing unrest, at least as of this writing. 

“We will not condone yung mga violation na ganyan. If there is [an] ordinance violated, of course we will file a case,” PBGEN. Andre Dizon, Regional Director of PNP Bicol, said.

As of this writing, efforts to obtain a statement from the vlogger who posted about the climb have been unsuccessful.