By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) has deployed 370 personnel to ensure the safety of evacuees in five areas affected by the recent eruption of Kanlaon volcano.
Police Capt. Wilma Silva, Nocppo’s public information officer, said 64 officers were drawn from various provincial police stations to assist operations in Bago City, La Carlota City, and the towns of Murcia, La Castellana, and Pontevedra.
Of the total personnel, 118 were assigned to secure 25 evacuation centers serving 35 affected barangays. Others helped conduct forced evacuations in areas within the six-kilometer danger zone, in coordination with local disaster risk reduction and management offices.
The provincial police force remains on alert following the eruption on Monday afternoon, Dec. 9.
Police Col. Rainerio De Chavez, Nocppo director, said policemen are monitoring the situation and are on standby to respond to affected areas.
De Chavez also assured the public that Nocppo is coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to implement safety measures and guidelines.
Policemen with families affected by the eruption were instructed to check on their loved ones first to better serve their communities.
“Your safety is our top priority. Stay alert,” De Chavez advised residents.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-District Southern Visayas deployed personnel to assist with relief operations in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
Commodore Ludovico Librilla Jr., PCG District Southern Visayas commander, said four deployable response teams were sent to the most affected areas.
A PCG vessel in Iloilo has also been transporting relief goods to Bacolod City for distribution to families displaced by the eruption.
Evacuation Update
As of 11 a.m. on Dec. 11, a total of 3,678 families, or 12,409 individuals, had evacuated due to the eruption.
La Castellana recorded the highest number of evacuees, with 2,508 families or 8,338 individuals. Other affected areas include Bago City with 552 families or 1,912 individuals, La Carlota City with 357 families or 1,346 individuals, Pontevedra with 246 families or 724 individuals, Murcia with 11 families or 53 individuals, and Moises Padilla with four families or 36 individuals.
Affected barangays include Biak na Bato, Cabagnaan, Camandag, Masulog, Mansalanao, Sag-ang, Maghanoy, and Robles in La Castellana; Odiong in Moises Padilla; Mailum, Lag-asan, Ilijan, and Ma-ao in Bago City; Gomez and Zamora in Pontevedra; Ara-al and Yubo in La Carlota; and Minoyan in Murcia.
La Carlota City reported PHP 251,270 worth of damage to rice crops in two barangays, affecting nine farmers.
No Gatherings in 6-km Danger Zone
Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas issued an executive order on Tuesday prohibiting private gatherings and suspending public social activities within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) in Canlaon City.
Cardenas said large gatherings could compromise evacuation efforts, endanger lives, and divert resources needed for disaster response and management.
Private celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, and reunions, as well as recreational activities like picnics and outings, are strictly prohibited in the PDZ.
Establishments hosting prohibited events face penalties, including suspension of permits or licenses, in accordance with local ordinances.
Public social activities such as festivals, parades, concerts, night markets, and sports tournaments are also suspended until further notice.
Violators will be penalized under applicable laws and ordinances, with exceptions granted for disaster-related activities authorized by the Incident Command System.
Cardenas cited the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Alert Level 3 status for Kanlaon volcano, indicating heightened volcanic activity and a potential eruption in the coming days or weeks.
Firecracker Ban Enforced
Canlaon City also implemented a strict ban on the sale, possession, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
The prohibition covers firecrackers such as watusi and Judas belt, pyrotechnics like fountains and sparklers, and improvised explosive devices.
Cardenas warned that firecracker use could trigger landslides or panic among evacuees.
The ban does not apply to government-authorized firework displays organized by licensed professionals and approved by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Violating establishments may face administrative penalties, including suspension or revocation of business permits.
Police, in coordination with barangay officials, will conduct inspections to ensure compliance. Confiscated firecrackers will be documented and disposed of according to regulations.
Kanlaon volcano erupted explosively on Monday afternoon, Dec. 9, six months after its last phreatic eruption on June 3.
