The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has elevated the alert status for the iconic Mayon Volcano but assures the public that a further escalation is not imminent at this time. The agency raised the alert from Level 1 to Level 2 on Thursday, January 1, 2026, citing significant geological changes.
Why the Alert Level Was Increased
Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol explained the decision was based on a sharp increase in rockfall events and the continued inflation or swelling of the volcano's edifice. This inflation is caused by the upward movement of hot material within the volcano, which destabilizes the summit dome and older lava deposits.
"Because of Mayon’s steep slopes, these materials easily break off, resulting in rockfall events," Bacolcol stated. He noted that such activity signals internal unrest and could potentially lead to more rockfalls and pyroclastic density currents.
Current Data and Assessment
Monitoring data shows a high frequency of rockfalls. Phivolcs recorded 43 rockfall events in the 24-hour period from 12 a.m. on January 1 to 12 a.m. on January 2, 2026. This was slightly lower than the 47 events recorded in the previous day from December 31, 2025, to January 1.
Despite the elevated alert, Director Bacolcol provided a measure of reassurance in a statement on Friday, January 3. "As of today, we are not seeing clear and sustained indicators to raise the alert to Level 3," he told the Philippine News Agency.
Ongoing Vigilance and Tourism Impact
The situation remains under close watch. Bacolcol emphasized that assessments are conducted daily. "If we observe an escalation of parameters, we may raise the alert level to 3. This will be assessed on a day-to-day basis," he clarified.
The alert level change comes as the volcano, a major tourist draw for the Bicol Region, continues to attract visitors. Just days before the alert was raised, tourists were still enjoying clear views of the perfect cone from sites like the Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga, Albay. Authorities are balancing public safety with the region's vital tourism industry, ensuring that any necessary precautions are communicated promptly.
Residents and travelers are advised to stay informed through official Phivolcs channels and heed any local government directives related to the volcano's activity.
