The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Sunday morning three separate eruptions over Taal Volcano in Batangas, causing alarm among social media users, who were wondering why the activities were only classified as minor.
Based on latest monitoring, Phivolcs said the volcano had a minor phreatic eruption at 02:55 a.m. on October 26, 2025. These were followed by two consecutive minor phreatomagmatic eruptions at 08: 13 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. respectively.
“These events generated plumes that rose up to 1200 – 2100 meters above the crater as recorded by the Main Crater IP and thermal cameras,” the state seismic agency said.
Taal Volcano also registered a brief minor phreatomagmatic event at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. Despite these developments, Phivolcs did not raise the alert status of the volcano, keeping it on Level 1, which means low-level unrest.
In volcanology, a phreatic eruption is defined as steam-driven explosion without magma. An explosion classified as phreatomagmatic eruption happens when magma interacts with water, not to be confused with magmatic eruption, which is driven by gas and magma.
Phivolcs also noted nine volcanic earthquakes, including two volcanic tremors lasting between 47 to 96 minutes long, over the past 24 hours. It had also released at least 436 tons per day of sulfur dioxide since October 25.
Authorities have reiterated on Sunday that entering Taal Volcano Island remains prohibited following a series of minor eruptions over the weekend, warning the public of possible hazards from volcanic gases and ash emissions.
The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) in Calabarzon explained that the retention of Alert Level 1 over Taal Volcano means that its recent activities were categorized as normal, based on the assessment of experts.
“The sudden steam-driven explosions (phreatic explosions) are still normal, and there are no signs yet of magma rising,” OCD Calabarzon said.
Officials cautioned that volcanic gases and ash could pose health and safety risks to nearby residents and urged the public to avoid venturing into the island, which is a permanent danger zone.
The Calabarzon Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council raised a ‘Blue Alert’ status in its Emergency Operations Center to maintain close monitoring and coordination with Phivolcs and concerned local government units.
