The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has urged the public to stay alert as Taal Volcano continues to show signs of unrest, remaining under Alert Level 1.
PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol shared in a dzBB radio interview that the volcano has been experiencing an ongoing volcanic tremor since July 6—lasting more than two days. This coincides with rising seismic energy levels, as measured by the Real-Time Seismic Amplitude Measurement (RSAM), which was also highlighted in a recent PHIVOLCS advisory.
“RSAM tells us how much seismic energy is being released,” Bacolcol explained. “When gas pathways inside the volcano get blocked, it can trigger sudden phreatic or minor phreatomagmatic eruptions.”
Although a major eruption is not imminent, the increasing pressure inside the volcano is a cause for concern. Bacolcol emphasized the need for public vigilance, pointing to the June 16 minor eruption, which released a 250-meter ash plume that remained confined to the volcano island.
He also addressed ongoing efforts to search for missing cockfighting enthusiasts in Taal Lake. While PHIVOLCS does not restrict lake access under Alert Level 1, entry to the Taal Volcano Island remains prohibited due to safety concerns.
“The lake itself is safe,” Bacolcol noted, adding that fishing and other lake-based activities continue as usual.
Authorities plan to begin searching the lake this week as part of the investigation into the missing persons case.