The municipality of La Castellana in Negros Occidental has given the green light for 448 evacuees to return to their homes after Mount Kanlaon stayed calm, even as Alert Level 2 remains in the area.
Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan announced that residents from Barangay Mansalanao, who were initially evacuated due to ashfall and lahar flows, are now permitted to go back home.
However, she emphasized that while the volcano is currently calm, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) still warns of its possible increased unrest. The mayor assured the public that their safety remains the top priority.
“Even though the volcano is stable for now, we must remain vigilant. The alert level indicates that we cannot rule out further activity,” Mangilimutan stated.
Canlaon City Mayor Jose Cardenas had previously authorized the return of 263 evacuees from Barangays Pula, Masulog, and Linothangan, which are located within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone surrounding the active volcano.
Edna Lhou Masicampo, the Information Officer for Canlaon City Government, confirmed that these residents were informed about their clearance to return.
“We have informed the evacuees that they are now allowed to return to their homes. However, they must be ready to evacuate again if the volcano shows signs of renewed activity,” Masicampo stated.
Cardenas also reassured the public that the city government is prepared in case the volcano acts up again. “We have stationed rescue vehicles in the 12 barangays nearest to Mount Kanlaon to ensure a swift evacuation, if necessary,” he said.
PHIVOLCS has issued advisories urging the public to remain alert due to the possibility of another eruption.
In a briefing with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Lacson, PHIVOLCS Chief Science Research Specialist Ma. Antonia Bornas emphasized that the absence of recent eruptions or sulfur dioxide emissions does not eliminate the risk of future volcanic activity.
“Mount Kanlaon, like Taal Volcano, can exhibit periods of calm before erupting. We must prepare for the potential of an elevated Alert Level 3,” Bornas warned.
The local government continues to monitor the situation closely and has implemented contingency plans to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.