MANILA -- The government will not hesitate to enforce mandatory evacuation upon the residents near Taal Volcano if seismic activities worsen.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda reiterated call to evacuate from the premises of Taal, following consecutive earthquakes produced by the restive volcano.
"We are now requesting the residents near Taal Volcano to evacuate the premises and their residences voluntarily," said Lacierda.
He said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is ready to provide assistance to the evacuees.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) directed evacuation to a safer place earlier.
Lacierda said in case people do not follow the government’s request, concerned authorities through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) will forcibly evacuate them.
In an advisory issued on Sunday, Phivolcs said it recorded 10 seismic activities in Taal Volcano and it recorded 20 quakes in the past 24 hours on Saturday.
Meanwhile, several residents in provinces near Taal are criticizing how the status of the volcano is being reported saying it affects tourism especially now that the country observes the Holy Week.
They said only the areas near the volcano are considered dangerous but other tourism spots are still safe to visit.(Jill Beltran/Sunnex)