The Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog, through Coast Guard Station (CGS) Batangas is currently investigating an incident involving the alleged entry of four foreign tourists into the restricted danger zone of the Taal Volcano crater on Sunday, February 8.
According to the authorities, the incident was reported at around 12:21 p.m. after the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (RDRRMO) spotted tourists near the volcano’s crater in Barangay Alas-as, San Nicolas, Batangas.
During an area scouring operation, authorities identified a motorized banca in Barangay Buso-Buso, Laurel, Batangas, which was reportedly used to transport the individuals to the area.
Initial inquiries revealed that the four tourists hired the boat and proceeded to the vicinity of the volcano to take photographs. Based on the investigation, the boat owner and operator were reportedly unaware of the existing entry restrictions in the area.
The PCG issued an Enforcement Inspection Apprehension Report (EIAR) against the boat owner for operating an unregistered vessel under the Safety, Security, and Environmental Numbering (SSEN) system and for leaving port without proper PCG clearance—both violations of maritime safety regulations.
The owner was issued a formal warning and ordered to suspend operations until all registration and safety requirements are fully complied with.
Taal Volcano and its surrounding areas remain under strict access regulations due to safety concerns and environmental protection measures. Authorities continue to remind the public and tourism operators to comply with all established restrictions.
The PCG is coordinating closely with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape.
A joint investigation has been scheduled to determine the legal liabilities and possible violations of protected area protocols related to the incident, the Coast Guard said.
The PCG reiterated that Taal Volcano Island remains classified as a Permanent Danger Zone, where entry is strictly forbidden due to the persistent threat of sudden phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, and the buildup of toxic volcanic gases.
“The safety of the public remains our highest priority. We urge all boat operators to strictly adhere to safety regulations and respect the exclusion zones set by the government to prevent any untoward incidents,” said Captain Jerome Jeciel, PCG, Commander of Coast Guard Station Batangas.
