INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. urged local chief executives in Albay to continue working closely with concerned national government agencies amid Mayon’s restiveness.
The DILG head directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to remain on alert and ready to respond to any eventuality or in case of a volcano eruption.
The Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said tMayon Vocano remains under Alert Level 3, which signifies a “relatively high level of unrest,” with magma at the crater and hazardous eruption possible within days.
“Let us all stay on our toes. Maging handa at listo tayo sa anumang puwedeng mangyari para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,” the DILG Chief said.
Last Wednesday, Abalos joined President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and other members of the cabinet to Albay province where they checked the situation and condition of the residents who are temporarily displaced by the volcano unrest.
The administration team went straight to the evacuation center at Guinobatan Community College, where United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador, His Excellency Mohamed Obaid joined them in handing out relief packs to the affected residents.
According to Abalos, the President’s visit had somehow brought hope to the people who were evacuated since the volcano started to show eruption fear.
The President also led a joint Regional and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils situation briefing where he tasked national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to provide the necessities of the evacuees in evacuation centers.
