MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will let concerned government agencies and the local government units (LGUs) take the precautionary measures against the effects of volcanic smog (vog) emitted byTaal Volcano, Malacañang said Tuesday.
In an interview with Palace reporters, Communications Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama said Marcos is monitoring and being briefed about Taal’s increased degassing activity.
“He (Marcos) is informed and kung meron pong kailangang gawin (if something needs to be done) in terms of utos (order) or directive from Malacañang, we will let you know about that,” Villarama said, when asked about Marcos’ directive amid Taal’s emission of vog.
“Ginagawa naman po ng gobyerno ang lahat para po hindi po maging malaki ang impact nitong pag-alburoto ng Taal.
So, mag-ingat po tayo (The government is doing everything to minimize the impact of Taal’s vog emission. Let’s all take precautions),” he added.
Taal Volcano is releasing about 3,355 tons of sulfur dioxide flux per day since Aug. 15, resulting in vog, according to the latest advisory from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).
Phivolcs also observed upwelling of hot volcanic fluids in the main crater lake.
Vog is composed of sulfur dioxide gas and other volcanic gases, and mixed with atmospheric oxygen, dust or ashes, and sunlight.
Vog results in a foggy view of surroundings and causes irritations of the eyes, throat, and nose.
Villarama advised the wearing of face masks and other protective gears such as goggles.
He also urged the public, especially the vulnerable groups like the elderly and children, to stay indoors to reduce their exposure to vog.
“So, nananawagan po tayo sa ating mga kababayan na ‘yung kaukulang pag-iingat lamang po (we are calling on our fellow countrymen to take the precautionary measures),” he said.
Entry into Taal Volcano Island, especially the main crater and Daang Kastilla fissures, as well as occupancy and boating on Taal Lake are not allowed.
Flying aircrafts close to the volcano are also not advisable.
Phivolcs warned of possible stem-driven or phreatic or gas-driven explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall, lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas.
PNP deploys disaster response teams
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has activated disaster response units to augment local groups in handling emergencies amid the vog from Taal.
“We have activated disaster incident management task group in the province of Batangas and the PNP is ready to assist local government units (LGUs) in terms of security coverage, especially in case there is a need to bring residents to evacuation centers,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City Tuesday.
She said there are no reports of evacuees so far due to the volcano’s activity and that only class suspensions were reported in areas affected by the vog from Taal. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
