Zero Visibility in Guinobatan Due to Severe Ashfall from Mayon Volcano
The municipality of Guinobatan experienced zero visibility on Monday due to heavy ashfall from Mayon Volcano. The public is advised to stay indoors, wear face masks, and remain alert.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its disaster response and security operations in Albay following the ashfall, which has triggered evacuations and heightened public safety concerns.
In a statement on Sunday, May 3, 2026, PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said that police units in the Bicol Region were quickly deployed to assist affected communities as volcanic activity intensified.
Personnel from the Police Regional Office 5 were sent to support evacuations, guard homes, and maintain peace and order.
According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), 52 barangays have been affected by thick ash, especially in the municipalities of Camalig and Guinobatan, including Ligao City.
Police have started distributing face masks and advising the public to limit outdoor activities to avoid respiratory issues due to ash.
Police chiefs have been ordered to strictly enforce the no-entry policy within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
Checkpoints and patrols have also been strengthened to monitor abandoned homes of evacuees and ensure that no one enters dangerous areas while the volcanic threat continues.
