The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised Mayon Volcano in Albay to Alert Level 3 on Friday after a moderately explosive eruption sent an ash plume 3,000 meters above its summit.

The eruption occurred at 11:53 a.m., prompting the agency to raise the volcano's alert status from Level 2 to Level 3, which indicates an increased likelihood of a hazardous eruption.

PHIVOLCS recommended the evacuation of residents within the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to the threat of pyroclastic density currents, lava flows, rockfalls and other volcanic hazards.

The agency warned that ashfall could affect Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan and nearby municipalities in Albay, with prevailing winds carrying the ash toward the west-southwest.

Furthermore, PHIVOLCS said Mayon has entered a new phase of magmatic eruption, increasing the possibility of lava flows and dangerous pyroclastic density currents affecting the volcano's upper to middle slopes in the coming days to weeks.

Residents were also advised to remain vigilant against lahars and sediment-laden streamflows along waterways draining the volcano.

Civil aviation authorities were urged to warn pilots against flying near Mayon's summit because volcanic ash from sudden eruptions could pose a danger to aircraft.

PHIVOLCS said it continues to closely monitor the volcano and will issue updates as necessary.