The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reminded the public on Saturday that the entire Taal Volcano Island has been declared as  Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to magmatic intrusion at the Main Crater that may further drive succeeding eruptions.

In view of this , DOST-PHIVOLCS is now raising the alert status of Taal from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 3, said PHIVOLCS in its 3AM advisory on Saturday, March 26.

PHIVOLCS strongly recommended Taal Volcano Island and high-risk barangays of Bilibinwang and Banyaga, Agoncillo and Boso-boso, Gulod and eastern Bugaan East, Laurel, Batangas Province be evacuated due to the possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami should stronger eruptions subsequently occur.

The public is reminded that the entire Taal Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and entry into the island as well as high-risk barangays of Agoncillo and Laurel must be prohibited, the agency said.

PHIVOLCS further advised that “all activities on Taal Lake should not be allowed at this time.”

Communities around the Taal Lake shores are advised to remain vigilant, take precautionary measures against possible airborne ash and vog and calmly prepare for possible evacuation should unrest intensify, PHIVOLCS added.

PHIVOLCS also said that civil aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying over Taal Volcano Island as airborne ash and ballistic fragments from sudden explosions and pyroclastic density currents such as base surges may pose hazards to aircraft.