PNP limits inspection of relief convoys for Mayon evacuees

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May 8, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — To ensure that relief supplies will immediately reach Albay communities affected by the eruption of Mayon Volcano, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has prohibited local police chiefs from conducting unnecessary inspection of humanitarian convoys.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued the order yesterday, noting that relief assistance should benefit evacuees without delay.

“I directed our local police commanders to refrain from conducting unnecessary inspections and immediately allow the passage of emergency responders as well as vehicles carrying relief items,” Nartatez said in a statement.

Over 300,000 food and non-food items prepositioned in Bicol by the Department of Social Welfare and Development are ready for distribution in Guinobatan.

Nartatez also directed local police chiefs to provide high-filtration face masks and hydration supplies to officers assigned at checkpoints, to  protect them from volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide emitted by Mayon.

A similar directive was issued to police chiefs on Negros Island, where ashfall events  from Kanlaon Volcano have also been occurring.

“We have to look after the welfare of our personnel on the ground, especially those exposed to volcanic ash, being the frontliners of government response and assistance,” Nartatez said.

PDCs affect 109 barangays

Up to 109 barangays in four cities and municipalities in Albay have been affected by major pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) from Mayon Volcano this year, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said that two successive lava collapse-fed PDCs were generated on the Mi-isi Gully during the recent Mayon eruption.

The first PDC series lasted 39 minutes while the second, which was described as more energetic, lasted 95 minutes.

Among areas severely affected by the volcanic activity are Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao and Oas.

Phivolcs reminded the public that an effusive eruption in Mayon is ongoing and continues to generate new lava flows, PDCs and rockfalls along the southern and eastern slopes of the volcano.

Entry into the six-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone remains prohibited, particularly along the southern sector due to the possibility of life-threatening PDCs.

“PDCs move at speeds that cannot be outrun and can burn, bury, forcefully impact and asphyxiate all living things in their path,” Phivolcs said.  –  Josiah Antonio