Gov’t ready for Taal contingency - Marcos

Metro Manila, Philippines– President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured on Thursday that the government is prepared to respond with the eruption of the Taal Volcano.

“We have standard procedures. Everybody when the volcano erupts or the storm comes or magka-lindol or whatever, they know what to do,” said Marcos in an interview in Pasig City.

While reports indicated an eruption on Wednesday afternoon, Marcos said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has deemed the situation manageable.

He said all concerned agencies are prepared to make sure the public is safe.

“So how do we adjust? Where are the areas that need special attention, where are the areas that are okay. So, ‘yun ang ginagawa namin ngayon. But again, that’s part of the SOP (standard operating procedure),” said Marcos.

Phivolcs on Wednesday said Taal spewed ash steam and volcanic materials that lasted for around 10 minutes until half past 4 in the afternoon.

The volcano is under the lowest alert level.

Phivolcs advised people living nearby to limit exposure to volcanic smoke or gas by remaining indoors and closing their doors and windows, and wearing an N95 face or gas mask.

It added that getting hydrated will help relieve irritation and tightness in airflow.