Residents living outside Taal Volcano’s 7-kilometer radius in Batangas province have started returning to their homes.
The move comes after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) downgraded the alert level from 4 to 3.
Lemery town residents were among the first to be seen heading back and were welcomed by law enforcers on their way back home.
Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas said that residents of the following areas may opt to return to their residences and places of work.
The towns are Alitagtag, Balete, Cuenca, Lemery, Lipa City, Malvar, Mataas na Kahoy, San Nicolas, Sta. Teresita, Taal, Talisay, and Tanauan City.
“It is still possible that Taal Volcano may still erupt. Therefore, all returning residents must be constantly alert, vigilant and ready to evacuate within one hour,” Mandanas told said.
Agoncillo and Laurel towns remain on lockdown while the volcano island remains as a permanent danger zone.
“Pinapaalalahanan po natin ang ating mga kababayan sa paligid ng bulkan na maging maingat sa paggalaw ng fissure, pagkakaroon ng mga abo, at mga paglindol,” Phivolcs director Renato Solidum told reporters.
Residents were also warned of lahar flow.
