The Disaster Response Group (DRG) of the Coast Guard District Bicol (CGDBCL) has been placed on heightened alert following the raising of Mayon Volcano’s status to Alert Level 2.

In a social media post, CGDBCL assured the public that it is fully prepared to respond should the volcano show signs of increased unrest that could affect nearby coastal areas and surrounding communities.

The DRG has been mobilized as a proactive measure to ensure readiness for possible search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, evacuation efforts, and maritime safety operations.

CGDBCL said the heightened alert status allows its personnel and assets to be on standby for immediate deployment in case volcanic activity escalates and poses risks to residents, maritime traffic, and coastal villages in the Bicol Region.

The Coast Guard also advised the public, particularly residents living near Mayon Volcano, to strictly follow advisories issued by authorities and to avoid entering prohibited and hazardous areas.

On Thursday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) placed Mayon Volcano in Albay under Alert Level 2, citing a sustained increase in rockfall events over the past two months.

According to the PHIVOLCS, visual and seismic monitoring recorded a rise in rockfall activity from the summit lava dome beginning in November 2025.

Following the PHIVOLCS announcement, the provincial government ordered the temporary suspension of activities near the slopes of Mayon Volcano.

Authorities also enforced stricter safety measures, including a total ban on all human activities within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone, as a precaution against possible hazardous eruptions.