By CESAR JOLITO III

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported heightened volcanic activity at Kanlaon Volcano over the past 24 hours, with ash emissions and tremor events recorded.

Phivolcs said a grayish ash plume was observed rising around 600 meters above Kanlaon’s summit at 7:04 a.m. yesterday.

The emissions lasted for one hour and 37 minutes before drifting northwest and west.

State volcanologists also recorded nine volcanic earthquakes, including two tremors that lasted between 14 and 18 minutes.

The volcano has remained under Alert Level 2, indicating increased unrest, since July last year.

Authorities continue to enforce strict restrictions on entry into the four-kilometer permanent danger zone due to the risks of sudden eruptions, rockfalls and related volcanic hazards.

The volcano remains under close monitoring as authorities continue to warn residents against entering high-risk zones.

The agency reiterated that conditions may change rapidly and advised the public to remain alert for further advisories./CCJ, WDJ