BACOLOD City – Citing the potential escalation of Mt. Kanlaon’s alert status to Level 4, Bago City in Negros Occidental is regulating night events.
Mayor Nicholas Yulo, through Executive Order No. 09 issued on January 17, emphasized that the regulation of night gatherings is a precautionary step to protect public safety.
He noted that such events typically attract large crowds, raising the risk of mass casualties and logistical complications in the event of a volcanic eruption or related hazards like pyroclastic flows and ashfall.
As part of the city’s 59th Charter Anniversary celebrations scheduled from February 5 to 19, activities will be scaled down due to the volcano threat.
Barangay fiestas are also under scrutiny, with residents encouraged to limit nighttime festivities.
The Executive Order allows regulated night events to proceed only with a favorable recommendation from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the mayor’s approval.
Mayor Yulo urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid non-essential activities, especially after dark, to minimize risks.
The city’s CDRRMC, during its first-quarter meeting on January 6, passed Resolution No. 2025-02 to discourage and regulate nighttime events.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recently reported increased volcanic activity at Mt. Kanlaon, warning of a possible escalation to Alert Level 4. This level indicates an imminent hazardous eruption, posing significant risks, particularly at night when emergency response efforts face additional challenges./PN
