The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) appealed for any information leading to the apprehension of those who broke into its Mayon Volcano station in Albay and destroyed government property.
In a statement, Phivolcs condemned the vandalism, which happened following a routine inspection of their personnel at the Upper Lidong Observation Station in Legazpi City, Albay on September 11, 2024.
“It was discovered that significant sections of metal fencing were sawed off and taken from the DOST-PHIVOLCS’ Upper Lidong Observation Station (VMUL) on the eastern borders of Legazpi City,” the agency said.
The station operates critical monitoring instruments, including a borehole tiltmeter for recording ground deformation caused by magma movement beneath the southeast flank of Mayon and an infrared camera for visual observations of the edifice even during nighttime, Phivolcs noted.
The Upper Lidong station, operational since October 2022, plays a key role in monitoring volcanic activity. The agency said the facility provides critical data for the early warning system that proved essential during the 2023 eruption.
Phivolcs Director Dr. Teresito C. Bacolcol urged local governments and communities to cooperate in protecting such vital facilities.
He also reminded the public that under Republic Act 10344 (Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act of 2012), unauthorized tampering with disaster preparedness equipment is punishable by law.
“Any information concerning the above case of vandalism, as well as all prompt reporting of similar incidents in the future, will be greatly appreciated,” Phivolcs said.
