The Local Government Unit (LGU) of La Castellana in the Province of Negros Occidental has permitted the return of around 500 families, or over 1,000 evacuees, to their respective barangays. 

The evacuees have been affected by the eruption of Mount Kanlaon since December 2024, aside from the phreatic eruption in June 2024, the first in the said year.

Most of the residents permitted to go home live in barangays within the five-kilometer danger zone of the volcano.

Meanwhile, residents who are from barangays within the four-kilometer danger zone remain at evacuation centers.

The decision came after no more volcanic activities that endanger residents have been monitored.

The LGU decision is concurred reportedly by the Incident Management Team (IMT) based on guidelines.

One of the reasons cited reportedly is the lack of funds to sustain any further the stay of residents in evacuation centers.

“Due to the (recommendation) ng IMT. Ang IMT ang nag-joint commitment sa desisyon kasama ang barangay. Wala na kaming budget. Waiting na lang kami sa information na bibigyan kami ng pondo,” La Castellana Mayor Añejo Nicor said.