MANILA – With the Taal Volcano’s possible “explosive” eruption within days to hours, President Rodrigo Duterte has declared the island volcano off limits to inhabitants.
Department of National Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that President Duterte approved his recommendation since future explosions of Taal could be “more violent.”
“Hindi na pwedeng pabalikin ‘yung tao doon dahil if there will be another explosion that will be more violent, I think all people there will be at risk sa island,” Lorenzana said Tuesday evening.
There are permanent settlements on the island, which is frequently flocked by tourists despite it being categorized as a permanent danger zone even prior to its eruption as there is a slim chance of survival for anyone who happens to be there when an eruption occurs.
President Duterte have also cautioned villagers who fled the rumbling Taal Volcano against returning to their homes until such time that they are safe from possible volcanic explosion.
“Nobody is allowed to go back until such time you are safe,” Duterte said. “Nandito ako para tumulong sa mga tao na tinamaan nitong eruption and gagawin ko lahat itong Batangas, Cavite, Laguna at iba pa na matulungan namin para bumalik sa normal.”
The President on Tuesday night handed out food packs containing six kilos of rice, four cans of sardines, three cans of corned beef, two cans of tuna and five sachets of coffee. He also provided P3,000 in cash for each family.
Taal is still on Alert Level 4 on its third day of unrest as state volcanologists still warn of a more violent eruption coming soon.
Authorities said all residents on the island have been evacuated, but a handful appeared to have managed to visit their houses on Tuesday to check on their belongings./PN
