The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) maintained Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest) over Kanlaon Volcano, as it warned that short-lived explosive eruptions remain possible following its eruption on May 13.

As of Friday evening, May 16, Phivolcs reported no significant increases in volcanic earthquakes or ground deformation since the eruption.

It added that sulfur dioxide emissions have shown only within-average increases, which suggests that there is no significant escalation in volcanic activity.

Despite relatively stable monitoring data, Phivolcs cautioned that further short-lived explosive eruptions could still occur. 

There also remains a possibility of the activity escalating into lava flows or lava fountaining if there are sudden changes in monitoring parameters.

As a precaution, Phivolcs strongly advised residents within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone to remain evacuated due to the threat of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs), ballistic projectiles, ashfall, rockfalls, and other hazards associated with explosive eruptions.

It also urged local government units to prepare communities within the PDC hazard zone for possible evacuation in the event of heightened volcanic unrest.