Marcos: Gov't on top of Mt. Kanlaon eruption

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday assured the public of continued government action following Mt. Kanlaon's eruption.

In a video message posted on social media, Marcos said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are on top of the situation, immediately providing assistance to affected residents of Negros Island.

Phivolcs said Alert Level 2 remains to ensure the safety of residents.

Around 170 families or nearly 800 individuals have been evacuated as of the latest data Marcos said.

Sleeping kits have been deployed to La Castellana, the town at the base of Mt. Kanlaon, the President said.

Some 13,000 family food packs are prepositioned in Negros Island and an additional 40,000 food packs and non-food items are on their way to affected areas.

"Naka-standby din ang ating mga air asset para mas mabilis na pag-responde. Tinitiyak ko na ang ating pamahalaan ay handa at patuloy na nagbibigay ng suporta hanggang makabalik nang ligtas ang lahat sa kanilang mga tahanan," Marcos said.

The Chief Executive concluded his message by calling on residents, especially those who are close to the affected area, to remain vigilant, refrain from staying at the four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone, and follow the guidelines and the reminders set by authorities.

Mt. Kanlaon, an active volcano in Negros Island, erupted for six minutes Monday night, producing a 5,000-meter plume. (PNA)