Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday ordered concerned local government units (LGUs) to evacuate residents within Mayon Volcano's six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ).

According to Philippines News Agency, the DILG has also instructed the LGUs to strictly prohibit entry to the PDZ after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Mayon Volcano's alert status to Alert Level 3 on Tuesday. "Areas within this zone must be declared as off-limits," the statement emphasized.

The DILG stated that the measures aim to "safeguard lives, both human and animal, against the risk of lava flow surges, rockfalls, and other volcanic activities." The agency urged LGUs to maintain heightened vigilance and closely monitor Mayon Volcano's activities through their respective Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils.

To ensure efficient coordination and response, the DILG instructed LGUs to activate their Emergency Operation Centers on a 24/7 basis and strengthen collaboration with the provincial government and regional DRRMC.

Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. revealed that he has already ordered the Police Regional Office in the Bicol Region to assist in the evacuation of families within the PDZ of Mayon Volcano. He expressed, "I have already directed our personnel in the Bicol Region to extend full support to the local government units in Albay."

Nartatez further mentioned that the safety of "our kababayan (countrymen), especially those in danger zones, will be the top priority." He added that checkpoints will be conducted at key entry points of danger zones, while police visibility will be intensified in various areas in Albay.