The Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology said Tuesday that the haze in Metro Manila is “likely due to local pollutants” and not vog.
“For the past few days, the wind speed has been very low for the past three days or four days in Metro Manila. Now, the haze that we’re observing is likely due to local pollutants, hindi ito vog (this is not vog),” said Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol.
The Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had earlier reported “very unhealthy air in some areas of Metro Manila last Monday morning.
The air quality in Makati was described as “very unhealthy”, while Pateros, Paranaque, and Caloocan were “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”Malacañang has reminded the public to observe precautionary measures following the recent release of vog or volcanic smog from Taal Volcano.
The EMB, however, did not say whether the unhealthy air was caused by pollution or the vog.
Regardless of what the cause might be, the Palace reminded the public to take precautionary measures to safeguard their health.
“Whatever precautionary measures we can use, like wearing a raincoat, although some say that’s not enough. Also, masks that can catch the particles emitted by Taal are better,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama said in an ambush interview.
“If we don’t really need to go out and if there are extra precautions we can take, let’s do them. Like wearing masks, putting on goggles, and taking care especially,” he added.
Villarama, however, clarified that the recommendation to mandate the return of wearing face masks will fall under the Department of Health’s (DOH) order.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday reported that Taal Volcano has released significant amounts of vog over the past 24 hours. Additionally, it detected voluminous plumes reaching up to 2,400 meters in height, drifting toward the north-northwest.
Local government units have since suspended face-to-face classes due to the vog emitted by the Taal Volcano.
