The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up its disaster response and security operations in Albay following ashfall from Mayon Volcano, which prompted evacuations and raised public safety concerns. In a statement released on Sunday, May 3, 2026, PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that police units in the Bicol Region were immediately mobilized to assist affected communities as volcanic activity intensified.
Deployment and Coordination
Personnel from the Police Regional Office 5 have been deployed to support evacuation efforts, secure residential areas, and maintain order. Authorities reported ashfall in several towns surrounding the volcano, leading local government units to place nearby communities on heightened alert due to potential health risks and the threat of further eruptions. Preemptive evacuations were carried out, particularly in areas within the permanent danger zone.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that a total of 52 barangays have been affected by the massive ashfall, especially in the towns of Camalig and Guinobatan, and in Ligao City. The PNP emphasized that it is closely coordinating with local governments and disaster response agencies to ensure efficient operations on the ground.
Security Measures and Public Safety
Police commanders have been instructed to enforce restricted zones, maintain visibility in affected areas, and remain on high alert while volcanic activity persists. Nartatez said police officers have begun distributing face masks to residents and advising the public to limit outdoor exposure to avoid health complications from ashfall. He added that additional police personnel have been deployed to high-risk barangays, while checkpoints and patrols have been reinforced to secure evacuated communities and strictly implement the no-entry policy within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone.
The PNP stated that police presence in affected areas aims to ensure both safety and security as residents temporarily leave their homes. The collaborative efforts between the PNP, local government units, and disaster response agencies continue to focus on protecting the well-being of affected communities.
