Two solar panels were reportedly stolen from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Mayon Resthouse station.
In a release by Phivolcs, it said that the theft of these 150-watt solar panels was discovered during the routine inspection and preventive maintenance on Wednesday, February 5.
The solar panels were used to power the instruments for earthquake monitoring, Global Positioning System (GPS), and tiltmeter.
“With loss of power supply, no data will be transmitted from this station and consequently will affect the monitoring of Mayon Volcano,” the statement released on Thursday read.
Phivolcs reminds the public that such an act is punishable under Republic Act 10344 (Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act of 2012).
“Hence, the public is strongly encouraged to help in taking care of our monitoring instruments and to promptly report any untoward incidents.”
