The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has placed its units in the Negros Island Region (NIR) on heightened alert amid the increased volcanic activity of Mount Kanlaon, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan announced on Tuesday.
In a statement, Gavan said he has alerted all PCG response teams across the NIR to assist local government units and other concerned agencies in ensuring public safety following the explosive eruption of Mount Kanlaon on Monday evening, June 3.
Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, the PCG spokesperson, said the Coast Guard District in Western Visayas has prepared its deployable response groups (DRGs) and rescue assets for immediate dispatch when the need arises.
The PCG also said it is also prepared to mobilize its quick response teams (QRTs) from other Coast Guard Districts in Visayas and Mindanao to aid ongoing operations.
“Our vessels and aerial assets at the national headquarters here in Manila are now on standby for possible augmentation,” Balilo added.
The PCG officials said they are in constant communication with their regional counterparts in Negros Island to make sure that the Coast Guard can provide immediate assistance to the affected residential communities.”
“Our partners from the PCG Auxiliary are now preparing their resources and manpower for the conduct of humanitarian missions,” Balilo said further.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Alert Level 2 remains over Mount Kanlaon, which already registered at least 43 volcanic earthquakes based on latest monitoring.
The state seismic agency also released information to guide the public on what they should do in the event of an ash fall.