Philippines: Mayon Volcano alert raised to Level 3, no-fly zone, evacuations ordered

Manila: Philippine authorities have elevated the alert status of Mayon Volcano to Level 3 following signs of increased magmatic unrest, including lava dome collapses that triggered hazardous pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), locally known as "uson." 

Residents of three villages were evacuated from 4 pm (local time) as they fall inside the 6-km radius delineated as a "permanent danger zone" (PDZ).

Alert Level 3 means there is an increased risk of a hazardous eruption amid recorded rise in rockfalls, volcanic earthquakes, and ash emissions.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) announced the alert level increase on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) afternoon, citing the onset of dome collapse and PDCs as a key indicator of potential hazardous eruptions. 

In its latest bulletin issued at 12am on January 6, Phivolcs reported 85 rockfall events, one volcanic earthquake, crater glow visible only through telescopes, and an elevated sulfur dioxide flux of 702 tonnes per day measured on January 5. 

The volcano also showed continued ground deformation, indicating inflation or swelling of the edifice.

Eyewitness accounts and videos captured the volcano's activity earlier in the day.

Footage and images show smoke emanating from Mayon's crater around 1pm. 

Following a series of warnings, the alert level escalation was made due to ash surge.

On January 1, Phivolcs had already raised the alert from Level 1 to Level 2 due to intensified rockfall activity and ground deformation. 

Since then, the agency recorded 346 rockfalls and four volcanic earthquakes, a sharp increase from the 599 rockfalls observed in November and December 2025. 

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol explained the progression: “The rockfall event is one of the things we look at before raising the alert level from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3”.

Local governments have swiftly responded. 

Albay Governor Noel Rosal ordered pre-emptive evacuations for residents within the 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), effective immediately, along with class suspensions at all levels in affected schools and heightened alert for local disaster risk reduction and management councils. 

The Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC-APSEMO) issued an advisory emphasising 24-hour monitoring, a no-fly zone over the volcano, and restrictions on activities like ATV rides beyond Cagsawa Ruins. 

Camalig Mayor Caloy Baldo Jr mandated evacuations starting from 4pm on January 6 to ensure residents' safety.

Baldo Jr. said around 118 families will be evacuated from Anoling, Quirangay and Sua villages on Tuesday.

Aviation authorities are advised to monitor for ash hazards, and residents are encouraged to follow official updates.

Mayon, known for its near-perfect cone shape, last had a major eruption in 2023, displacing thousands. Officials stress that while the current activity is magmatic in nature, preparedness is crucial to mitigate risks in this densely populated region.