By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson announced that the Panaad Park and Stadium is prepared to accommodate evacuees should Kanlaon volcano erupt again.
“I hope it will not reach that point, but of course, we are prepared,” Lacson said in an ambush interview with the Daily Guardian during the Christmas Lights-On ceremony in Moises Padilla on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
The governor said the stadium would serve as an additional evacuation site in case existing shelters reach capacity, following the Office of Civil Defense’s directive to enforce a forced evacuation within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).
“As far as the forced evacuation is concerned, we are playing it safe. It has already been decided that up to six kilometers will have to be evacuated,” Lacson said.
He added that while the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) cannot predict the exact timing of another eruption, authorities are taking necessary precautions.
Lacson also emphasized the need to evacuate animals from the PDZ.
“We have decided to bring down the animals because, although there is minimal mortality, it is not just individuals we need to keep safe but also the animals,” he said.
In his speech during the Lights-On ceremony in Moises Padilla, approximately 36 kilometers from Kanlaon volcano, Lacson urged residents to pray for calm.
“We also pray that the evacuees can return home to celebrate Christmas with their families,” he added.
The governor reiterated a similar message during the Lights-On ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon, saying, “Let the light symbolize hope and resilience. As we turn on the lights, may they inspire us to believe that even in our darkest moments, there is light and that together we can overcome any challenge.”
Mayor Alme Rhummlyla Nicor confirmed to the Daily Guardian that forced evacuations are being enforced within the six-kilometer PDZ for both humans and animals.
She noted that the OCD-6 mandated a complete halt to human activity in the area, with residents given until December 16, 2024, to vacate or face apprehension.
The mayor said the local government has imposed road closures in Barangay Taborda, restricting access to Canlaon City via Barangays Cabagnaan and Biak na Bato, which are within the danger zone.
Motorists traveling to Canlaon City are being rerouted through Moises Padilla town.
Nicor also confirmed reports from Barangay Cabagnaan residents that the ground had begun to heat up and the wind felt unusually warm.
The Civil Defense Region VI, in an advisory issued Sunday, reported that mandatory evacuation is ongoing for residents within the six-kilometer Expanded Danger Zone (EDZ) around Kanlaon volcano.
Affected areas with remaining populations include La Castellana and San Carlos City in Negros Occidental and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
“We strongly urge everyone in these areas to evacuate immediately and follow the directives of authorities. Your safety is the top priority,” the advisory stated.
The public was also urged to stay alert, monitor updates from official channels, and cooperate fully with evacuation efforts.
The advisory listed cities and municipalities affected by the December 9, 2024, eruption, including La Castellana, La Carlota City, Pontevedra, the southeastern portion of Bago, Valladolid, San Enrique, Hinigaran, and Binalbagan.
Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Occidental unanimously approved a resolution from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) declaring the province under a state of calamity.
Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer presided over the special session and confirmed the resolution’s immediate effectivity.
“The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has unanimously approved the request of the governor to declare the province under a state of calamity, and it is effective immediately,” Ferrer told reporters on Friday.
The resolution cited 33,806 individuals affected within the six-kilometer danger zone, as detailed in the Province of Negros Occidental Contingency Plan for the Kanlaon volcano eruption and pyroclastic density currents.
