DOT Bicol appeals to tourists to avoid going near Mt. Bulusan

Mount Bulusan (Wikipedia photo)

LEGAZPI CITY -– The Department of Tourism (DOT) Bicol regional office on Monday appealed to both local and foreign tourists to temporarily avoid going close to the vicinity of Bulusan Volcano after it has shown restive activities in the past days.

Alert Level 1 is currently raised over Mt. Bulusan after the volcano erupted twice in a span of five days.

The Bulusan Volcano came alive again after four years of hibernation when it first erupted at 8 a.m. on May 1 and at 9 a.m. on May 6, spewing ash up to at least 250 meters high.

DOT Bicol Regional Director Maria “Nini” Ravanilla said they are making the appeal to ensure the safety of the tourists.

Ravanilla said the tourists can instead go anywhere in Sorsogon that are far from the threat of danger posed by the volcano.

She also advised them to coordinate with local government unit tourism officers for proper information and advice.

In related development, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has warned those flying planes, helicopters and other forms of aircraft to avoid passing near the Bulusan Volcano to avoid possible accidents in case it erupts.