The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded three minor volcanic eruptions at Taal Volcano on Sunday, October 26, though officials assured the public that the volcano remains under Alert Level 1, signifying low-level unrest.

According to PHIVOLCS, one minor phreatic eruption occurred at 2:55 a.m., lasting for about a minute, followed by two minor phreatomagmatic eruptions at 8:13 a.m. and 8:20 a.m.

The events generated plumes rising between 1,200 and 2,100 meters above the main crater, as captured by the institute’s main crater IP and thermal cameras.

PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said there have been no reports of ashfall in nearby communities.

“Most likely, if there was any ashfall, it was confined within Taal Volcano itself,” Bacolcol said in an interview with DZRH.

“There’s no cause for alarm because these activities are consistent with the Alert Level 1 status. From time to time, we can expect minor phreatic or phreatomagmatic eruptions,” the director added.

Bacolcol also confirmed that PHIVOLCS has now recorded a total of 17 volcanic events from Taal this year, including the three new ones. Despite the uptick in activity, he stressed that there is no indication of escalation in Taal’s overall unrest.

“Before we raise the alert level, we look for stronger indicators like sustained tremors, continuous degassing, and ground deformation,” he explained. “We are not seeing those signs at this time.”

Under Alert Level 1, Taal Volcano remains in a state of low-level unrest, meaning entry into Taal Volcano Island, the Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), is still strictly prohibited due to the possibility of sudden steam-driven explosions or accumulation of toxic gases.

Residents around Taal Lake are advised to remain vigilant and continue monitoring updates from PHIVOLCS.