BACOLOD City – The Task Force Kanlaon (TFK) – Negros Island Region (NIR) has lifted the prohibition on entry into the 6-kilometer extended danger zone (EDZ) around Mount Kanlaon during the designated window period from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The easing of restrictions was formalized through Memorandum No. 19, Series of 2025, issued on May 30 and signed by TFK chairperson Raul Fernandez, who also serves as the regional director of the Office of Civil Defense Region 6 (OCD-6).
The memorandum followed the release of the latest Kanlaon bulletin by the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) on the same day, which reported a significant decrease in volcanic activity.
According to the bulletin, only 12 volcanic earthquakes were recorded within the 24-hour monitoring period, with a sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emission of 1,012 tonnes per day (recorded on May 29), and weak plume activity reaching up to 200 meters high, drifting northwest.
“In light of the current volcanic activity, the restriction on entry into the 6-kilometer EDZ is lifted during the specified hours to allow residents to conduct farming and other essential livelihood activities,” Fernandez stated.
The lifting of the prohibition took effect on May 31.
However, Fernandez emphasized that the volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating a state of heightened or magmatic unrest. He reminded the public and concerned agencies to remain vigilant.
TFK also advised local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) offices in affected local government units (LGUs), in close coordination with the Law and Order Cluster, to maintain strict monitoring and implement pre-emptive measures as needed.
It was learned that some residents within the 6-kilometer EDZ — particularly in areas of Bago City and the municipality of La Castellana — remain in evacuation centers following the volcanic eruption late last year. La Castellana, in particular, recorded the highest number of evacuees since the volcano’s eruption in December.
Previously, OCD granted a window period for controlled entry and exit into the permanent danger zone (PDZ) of Mt. Kanlaon from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. to allow residents to tend to livestock and secure their livelihood./PN
