QUEZON CITY -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is closely monitoring the situation after a phreatic eruption of the Bulusan Volcano which caused ashfall in Juban and Casiguran in Sorsogon.

The NDRRMC has issued a memorandum order to the Bicol Regional DRRM Council (RDRRMC) on preparedness and response measures following the eruption.

In the memo, the Bicol RDRRMC was directed to ensure prohibition of entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and exercise of vigilance in the 2-kilometer Extended Danger Zone due to the increased possibilities of sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions; as well as ensure compliance of the Local Government Units, especially the high-risk barangays, on the dissemination of advisories from the authorities regarding the management of ashfall and other volcanic hazards.

The NDRRMC also directed the Bicol RDRRMC to preposition teams and resources to support the affected LGUs should the need arise and prepare for possible alert escalation.

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense, NDRRMC, Bicol RDRRMC, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) continue to coordinate with the local government units and disaster managers for any developments.

Advisories, emergency text alerts and local announcements are being released continuously to remind the public of the preparedness and response measures.

As of now, Alert Level 1 (low level unrest) has been raised over Bulusan Volcano. (NDRRMC)