OCD Appeals to Negros Mayors on Evacuees’ Safety

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno urged two mayors in Negros Occidental to reconsider their decision allowing evacuees to return home despite the heightened activity of Kanlaon Volcano.

Nepomuceno issued the appeal after reports revealed over 4,000 evacuees returned to areas outside the current six-kilometer extended danger zone of Mt. Kanlaon. The OCD posted the appeal on its official social media page, addressing the local governments of Bago City and La Castellana.

“In light of Kanlaon’s increased volcanic activity, we must take anticipatory actions to prepare for the worst-case scenario,” Nepomuceno said. “Achieving zero casualties is our utmost priority.”

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has warned of the possibility of raising Kanlaon Volcano’s alert status to Level 4, which would extend the permanent danger zone from six to 10 kilometers.

Scientific data indicates significant inflation in the volcano’s upper edifice. The Upper Pantao Observation Station reported electronic tilt measurements showing ongoing inflation on the southeastern flank since December 2024 and a deflation trend on the western flank.

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have drastically decreased from an average of 5,673 tons per day to 2,029 tons as of Jan. 9, 2025. These indicators point to a sudden pressurization within the volcano, increasing the likelihood of an eruption.

Nepomuceno warned of potential pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), which can travel at speeds of 30 to 600 kilometers per hour. “No resident in the danger zone can escape this,” he said, urging those affected to prioritize their safety over property.

He acknowledged the challenges evacuees face but emphasized the OCD’s commitment to providing continued support. “Lives are far more important than properties and livelihoods,” he added.

Despite the warnings, local governments have defended their decisions. Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo stated that evacuees outside the extended danger zone were cleared to return home based on PHIVOLCS guidance. Similarly, La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan said the decision adhered to established guidelines.

Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz supported the mayors, noting that the provincial government agreed on the matter during a meeting with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson. Diaz clarified that residents outside the extended danger zone voluntarily sought shelter in evacuation centers due to ashfall.

Currently, 4,437 evacuees remain in La Castellana, 1,112 in La Carlota, and 50 in Bago City.

The OCD identified 35 barangays in six local government units across Negros Island as vulnerable to PDC hazards in the event of an eruption. These include:

• La Castellana: Sag-ang, Camandag, Mansalanao, Manghanoy, Cabacungan, Puso, Biak na Bato, Masulog, Cabagnaan, and Robles.
• Moises Padilla: Magallon Cadre, Odiong, Guinpana-an, Montilla, Quentin Remo, and Macagahay.
• Bago City: Ilijan, Binubuhan, Mailum, and Ma-ao.
• La Carlota City: Ara-al, Haguimit, San Miguel, La Granja, Yubo, and Balabag.
• Pontevedra: Buenavista, Rizal, and Zamora.
• Canlaon City, Negros Oriental: Pula, Linothangan, Masulog, Malaiba, Mabigo, and Budlasan West.

PDCs are considered the most dangerous volcanic hazard, capable of causing severe burns, asphyxiation, and burial under hot volcanic material.

Meanwhile, Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson supervised the setup of 390 tents in Sitio Bingig, Barangay 3, for evacuees affected by Kanlaon’s unrest. The tents were provided by the OCD to ensure adequate shelter.

The OCD continues to advocate for precautionary measures and emphasizes the importance of readiness in minimizing potential casualties.