The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said it is important for local government units to prepare for the next seismic activities of the Kanlaon Volcano after a crater glow was observed even with the naked eye.

“First time siya na (nakita) by our naked eye. Kung titingnan mo ang Kanlaon, kapag lumapit ka, makikita mo ang ang reddish na glow,” said Ptolemy Mañego, Science Research Assistant at the Kanlaon Volcano Observatory.

Seen on May 10, 2026, the crater glow was caused by the superheated volcanic gas plumes from the volcano.

PHIVOLCS said the crater glow resembles that at the Mayon Volcano in Albay before a magmatic eruption.

“Kailangang bantayan ang parameters in case mag-increase. Maka-generate tayo ng volcanic hazards na very life-threatening gid such as PDC’s, ang lava flows, ballistic projectiles, and also ashfall and rockfall,” Mañego said.

Local government units around the Kanlaon Volcano are not taking their chances.

“Alarming siya. Coordinate tayo sa local authorities. Kami sa LGU, we're really preparing,” said John de Asis, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of La Castellana, an LGU located at the foot of the volcano.

Several LGUs surround the volcano directly. These include Canlaon City and Vallehermoso in Negros Oriental and San Carlos City, Murcia, Bago City, La Carlota City, and La Castellana in Negros Occidental.

PHIVOLCS said it is possible that the alert level at the volcano will be raised to three if the volcano continues to emit superheated volcanic gas plume.