Ashfall affected parts of Albay afternoon on Saturday, May 2, 2026, after increased activity from Mayon Volcano, authorities said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), or “uson,” along the Mi-isi Gully on the volcano’s south to southwestern slopes. Alert Level 3 remains in effect, indicating a high level of unrest.

PHIVOLCS said the activity followed a lava collapse at around 4:28 p.m. and minor Strombolian eruptions that began at about 4:50 p.m., which generated rockfalls and ashfall in nearby communities.

An initial report from the Office of Civil Defense in Bicol (OCD V) said the PDC event occurred at the Mi-isi Gully, with ashfall reported across several municipalities in Albay.

In Guinobatan, ashfall was reported in 18 barangays, including Minto, Malabnig, Mapaco, Doña Tomasa, Agpay, San Rafael, Maguiron, Calzada, Iraya, Muladbucad Grande, Inamnan Pequeño, Inamnan Grande, Bubulusan, Lomacao, Maninila, Travesia, Lower Binogsacan, and Ilawod.

In Camalig, 17 barangays were affected, including Cabangan, Salugan, Anoling, Sua, Quirangay, Tumpa, Barangays 1 to 7, and portions of Libod, Ilawod, Gapo, and Sumlang.

In Ligao City, ashfall was reported in 17 barangays, including Busac, Allang, Palapas, Francia, Abella, Malama, Paulba, Maonon, Balanac, Tupas, Tiongson, San Vicente, Tandarura, Pandan, Bacong, Cabarian, Pinamaniquian, and Oma-Oma.

No ashfall was reported in other local government units, OCD5 said.

Reports and photos from multiple vantage points, including Camalig town and Barangay Cabangan, showed Mayon Volcano obscured by thick ash and smoke, with visibility reduced by a heavy gray haze.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said its RC143 volunteers were deployed in Camalig, Guinobatan, Legazpi City, and Daraga to conduct monitoring and documentation, while coordinating with local authorities and disaster response agencies.

OCD5 said it has prepared around 250 boxes of face masks for distribution to Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, and Ligao City, as it continues coordination with PHIVOLCS, the Department of Health, DPWH, BFP, PNP, DSWD, and local disaster offices for response measures, including health support, traffic management, clearing operations, and relief assistance.

Residents in affected areas were advised to remain on high alert, avoid danger zones, particularly near gullies and river channels, and take precautions during ashfall, including staying indoors, wearing protective masks, and covering food and water supplies.

Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin G. Baldo Jr. urged residents to stay indoors during ashfall, keep windows and doors closed, use face masks when going outside, and use damp cloths as temporary protection if masks are unavailable.

“Pinakiusipan po ubos na residenteng magtinir na nganay sa lug balay kina likayan ang pagbagsak ning abo. Pakisaradwan po ang bintana kina pinto, magsulog ning facemask kung mapiritan maglwan. Kung wara facemask, pwedeng gibon alternatibo ang dumug na tela,” he said.

He also urged the public to rely on official advisories.

“Mangadyi lang po kina magantabay sa mga opisyal na anunsyo para sa kumpirmadong impormasyon,” he added.