Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. — Photo from Office of the Chief PNP/Facebook
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) warned the public against entering the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) around Mayon Volcano due to its continued unrest, saying violators may face penalties.
In a statement on Tuesday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the law enforcement agency has intensified visibility and patrol operations to monitor entry points leading to the slopes of Mayon.
“For tourists or individuals who deliberately disregard the cordons for sightseeing, we will not hesitate to escort them out and coordinate with the LGU (local government unit) for the filing of appropriate administrative charges or penalties,” the top cop stressed.
He noted, however, that residents caught entering the PDZ to tend to their farms would simply be “[assisted] in returning to their evacuation center.”
“Our ground commanders have been given a clear directive to exercise maximum tolerance but maintain zero compromise on the ‘No Entry’ policy,” Nartatez added.
Over the weekend, a strombolian eruption was recorded at Mayon, followed by the release of continuous pyroclastic density currents and heavy ashfall.
Alert Level 3, which indicates a high level of volcanic unrest, still prevails over Mayon. /jpv