Two LGUs on alert after Kanlaon eruption

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Canlaon City government in Negros Oriental and the La Carlota City government in Negros Occidental are on full and heightened alert, respectively, following the explosive eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on Friday night, Oct. 24.

“We are on top of the situation,” said Canlaon Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas, who immediately convened the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and ordered the prepositioning of vehicles, equipment, and response teams in key areas.

Cardenas urged residents to remain calm, rely only on official information, and keep their emergency go-bags ready.

“We understand the fear that comes with seeing the volcano erupt again,” he said. “But please remain calm and stay updated through official sources.”

Local disaster response teams, police, firefighters, and health responders have been deployed, while all barangay rescue vehicles remain on standby in case evacuations are needed.

Schools identified as potential evacuation centers have also been placed on alert.

So far, no injuries or property damage have been reported, and monitoring is ongoing.

Cardenas reminded residents to avoid the four-kilometer permanent danger zone, stay indoors during ashfall, wear masks when outside, and protect water sources from contamination.

Negros Oriental Gov. Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria said the province has long been preparing for possible volcanic activity.

“We have been preparing for the worst-case scenario for the longest time,” he said, noting that about 100 mini dump trucks in the first district are ready for mobilization if evacuations become necessary.

Although Sagarbarria described the incident as an isolated eruption, he emphasized the need for continued vigilance.

“I hope it doesn’t get worse,” he added.

Meanwhile, La Carlota City Mayor Jose Luis Jalandoni assured residents that the city government is prepared to assist affected communities as monitoring teams continue to assess the situation.

La Castellana officials also convened Friday night to review precautionary measures, with many residents within the danger zone still staying in barangay-based evacuation centers since July.

The municipal disaster office is coordinating closely with barangay councils to ensure accurate and timely information and to prevent misinformation and panic.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the volcano erupted at 8:05 p.m., following a series of ash emissions in recent weeks while under Alert Level 2.

The Office of Civil Defense–Negros Island Region reported a booming sound in Barangay Pula, Canlaon City, followed by an ash plume reaching 2,000 meters that drifted northeast.

Ashfall and a sulfuric odor were reported in 17 barangays across eight local government units in Negros Island.

Affected areas include Barangays Mailum, Ma-ao, Ilijan, Abuanan, Bacong, Dulao, and Tabunan; Barangays Ara-al and Yubo in La Carlota City; Barangays Sag-ang and Cabagnaan in La Castellana; Barangay Codcod in San Carlos City; Barangay Punta Taytay in Bacolod City; Barangay Zamora in Pontevedra; Barangay Minoyan in Murcia; and Barangays Lumapao and Linothangan in Canlaon City.

Ashfall was also observed near springs around Bago City, prompting the city’s disaster office to deploy two water tankers to ration water to households relying on spring sources.

Two additional ash emissions were recorded Saturday morning, a day after the eruption.

Kanlaon previously erupted moderately on June 3, 2024, followed by another eruption on Dec. 9, 2024.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region has directed all units to heighten readiness and implement safety protocols.

In a directive issued by Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, all personnel were instructed to ensure their safety and that of their families.

Field commanders were tasked with inspecting the structural integrity of stations, checking the readiness of vehicles and power supply, and securing communication lines.

Units were also ordered to ensure the availability of patrol vehicles, fuel, first aid kits, masks, and other search and rescue equipment.

Ibay said search and rescue teams must be ready for deployment in coordination with local governments and disaster offices while monitoring continues.

“The safety of our personnel and the public remains our top priority,” Ibay said, assuring the public that the entire regional police force is on full alert.

“We are closely monitoring the situation,” he said. “Our personnel are ready to respond wherever assistance is needed.”