DOT warns public anew vs unauthorized Mayon climb | ABS-CBN

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DOT warns public anew vs unauthorized Mayon climb

DOT warns public anew vs unauthorized Mayon climb

Aireen Perol,

ABS-CBN News

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People enjoy the view of Mayon volcano from Lingon Hills in Legazpi City, Albay on June 16, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/file
People enjoy the view of Mayon volcano from Lingon Hills in Legazpi City, Albay on June 16, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/file

Following a recent viral footage of unauthorized climbers descending from the summit of Mayon Volcano, the Department of Tourism Region V warned the public again that climbing the volcano is, under any circumstances, strictly prohibited as it is currently at Alert Level 1.

The footage, originally posted by a Facebook page named "Mudman" on Wednesday, April 24, showed individuals clearly breaching safety regulations as they descended from the Mayon Volcano's peak, despite clear prohibitions.

In response, Herbie Aguas, Regional Director of the DOT Region V, reiterated that climbing the Mayon Volcano summit is strictly prohibited under Albay Provincial Ordinance 2016-23.

"Activities inside the six-km permanent danger zone are strictly regulated to prevent the loss of lives and properties," Aguas said, emphasizing the need to adhere to established regulations to safeguard the well-being of mountaineers and tourists.

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The DOT V also issued an official advisory, stressing the inherent dangers associated with venturing into restricted zones around Mayon Volcano.

"DOT V strongly discourages tourists from climbing Mayon Volcano as it remains restive with the threat of phreatic explosions that are extremely lethal," the department said.

The department also pledged to collaborate with the provincial government of Albay and other agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized climb and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Dorothy Colle, chief of the Albay Provincial Tourism, Culture, and Arts Office (PTCAO), also weighed in on the issue through a Facebook post reposted by Albay Governor Edcel "Grex" Lagman's official page.

Colle clarified that no permits were issued to the individuals seen in the video and that the matter will be reported to the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) for appropriate action.

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In light of these developments, tourists are reminded to prioritize safety and adhere to established guidelines when visiting Bicol and are advised to seek the services only of accredited tour operators, guides, and establishments.

Mayon Volcano's status was placed under Alert Level 1 on March 5 this year, following nine months of dynamic interplay between heightened and moderated levels of unrest.

Its current status indicates the possibility of sudden steam eruptions or phreatic explosions, rockfall from the volcano's summit, and lahars during heavy rainfall.

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