The Philippine Army has intensified its humanitarian response in Albay as unrest at Mayon Volcano enters its fourth day, with troops deployed across multiple towns to assist in evacuation, relief distribution, and disaster monitoring.
Army units under the 9th Infantry Division were mobilized to key areas including Camalig, Guinobatan, Legazpi City, Ligao City, and Malilipot, where communities remain on alert due to ongoing volcanic activity.
On the ground, the 31st Infantry Battalion dispatched three Disaster Response Units composed of 23 soldiers and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members, supported by three vehicles in Barangay Salugan, Camalig. The 49th Infantry Battalion also deployed a response team in Guinobatan, consisting of five enlisted personnel, four CAFGU members, and a vehicle, while maintaining liaison officers in nearby localities to coordinate operations.
The Army said it has an additional 22 Disaster Response Units on standby, ready for rapid deployment should the situation escalate.
Relief operations are also underway, with more than 4,000 food packs already distributed to families affected by the volcanic unrest across nine areas in Albay, including Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga, Tabaco City, Malilipot, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Santo Domingo, and Bacacay.
Authorities continue to monitor the volcano’s activity, which has been marked by intermittent ash emissions, lava flows, and the risk of pyroclastic density currents, locally known as “uson,” particularly within the established permanent danger zone.
The Philippine Army said its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations are being carried out in coordination with local government units and disaster response agencies, with a focus on ensuring the safety and basic needs of residents displaced by the ongoing volcanic activity.