PCG: In response to the Mayon Volcano’s eruptions which started last 22 January 2018, the Philippine Coast Guard sentDeployable Response Group (DRG) Teams, two Medical Team and two K9 Search and Rescue Dogs and Handlers as augmentation to the continuous efforts being conducted by the Coast Guard District Bicol which is in current Full Alert status in providing assistance to all affected families in Bicol as the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHILVOCS) raised from Alert Level 3 (Increase Tendency of Hazardous Eruption) to Alert Level 4 (Hazardous Eruption Imminent) prompting the extension of danger zone to eight (8) kilometers radius from the summit, yesterday, 23 January.

As reported by Office of the Civil Defence (OCD) around 6 P.M. yesterday, ash fall was felt in the municipalities of Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, Oas, Polangui in Albay, and Rinconada area (Camarines Sur) Bato, Nabua, Minalabac, Iriga, Buhi, Bula, Baao, and Balatan.  Moreover, three cities and seven municipalities, 14,932 families and 54,556 families were affected by the eruptions as of 11:45 A.M. today, 24 January.

Personnel of CGD Bicol augmented for the repacking of relief goods at Casablanca Hotel, Momento Hall, Penaranda Extension, Legazpi City.  Meanwhile,  the district also conducted personnel and equipment readiness and demonstations on search and rescue operations. 

The Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Elson E Hermogino PCG directed all DRGs ofNational Heaquarters and Cavite PCG units to be on standby for possible deployments.

PCG strongly advised all  affected commununities to stay vigilant of the health hazards of the volcanic ash and to observe the declared danger zone.