Kanlaon Volcano Eruption Blankets Negros Occidental in Ash

By Glazyl Masculino and Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has shifted from election security to disaster response following the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano early Tuesday.

While police continue to secure the conclusion of the May 12 midterm elections, their priority now includes protecting lives and aiding affected communities.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said field units were ordered to coordinate with their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) for evacuation, relief and security operations.

The PRO-NIR committed to deploy additional personnel and resources to assist disaster response efforts and maintain order in affected areas.

Specialized units, including search and rescue teams and medical responders, are on standby for rapid deployment.

Ibay urged the public to remain calm, follow advisories from local authorities and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), and cooperate with evacuation procedures.

“Let us continue to uphold unity and service as we face this natural calamity together,” he said.

A five-minute, moderately explosive eruption occurred at 2:55 a.m. Tuesday, generating a grayish plume that rose 4.5 kilometers above the vent, according to PHIVOLCS.

The eruption produced rumbling sounds heard in Barangay Pula, Canlaon City in Negros Oriental, and in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

Incandescent pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descended the southern slopes within 2 kilometers of the crater.

Large ballistic fragments were ejected near the summit, igniting vegetation within several hundred meters.

PHIVOLCS said thin ashfall and sulfur odor were reported in several areas across Negros Occidental.

Affected localities include eight barangays in La Carlota City, two in La Castellana, 10 in Bago City, one in San Carlos City, and entire towns of San Enrique and Hinigaran.

Ash also blanketed 20 barangays in Pontevedra and parts of Binalbagan.

The Bureau of Fire Protection assisted in clearing ash-covered roads to ensure motorists’ safety.

Ash particles reached Bacolod City, affecting 18 of its 61 barangays, including Barangays 9, 12, 17, 21, 29, 33, 35, Alijis, Estefania, Cabug, Granada, Handumanan, Mansilingan, Singcang-Airport, Taculing, Tangub, Villamonte and Vista Alegre.

Authorities believe rainfall carried the ash toward the city.

Residents are advised to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, cover their nose and mouth with face masks or damp cloths, and protect water sources.

The public is encouraged to report ashfall in their areas and follow safety instructions.

PHIVOLCS maintains Alert Level 3 over Kanlaon, indicating magmatic unrest and a higher risk of short-lived, moderately explosive eruptions.

Communities within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone remain under mandatory evacuation.

PHIVOLCS warned of possible syn-eruption lahars and sediment-laden streamflows during heavy rains, which may add risks to communities near river channels.

The agency also advised civil aviation to avoid flying near the summit due to volcanic ash hazards.

Thousands of residents from Kanlaon-hit areas remain in evacuation centers due to continued volcanic activity since the Dec. 9, 2024 eruption.

Ibay assured the public of ongoing coordination among police, local governments and disaster officials.

“We are ready to assist in every way possible to ensure safety and order in this time of need,” he said.