Kanlaon Volcano Alert Level Downgraded, Evacuation Centers Set for Demobilization

The Office of Civil Defense – Negros Island Region (OCD-NIR) is preparing to scale down evacuation operations in areas affected by the Kanlaon Volcano eruption after the volcanic unrest status was lowered from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). In Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, local officials reported that 1,791 families living outside the 4-kilometer permanent danger zone are scheduled to return to their homes by July 31. However, 45 families residing within the danger zone will remain evacuated as a precaution, according to the city’s disaster council. PHIVOLCS downgraded Kanlaon Volcano’s alert status on July 29, citing a decrease from magmatic unrest to a moderate level of volcanic activity. Despite the reduced risk, PHIVOLCS emphasized that communities within the 4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) must continue to be evacuated due to potential short-lived explosive eruptions and phreatic explosions posing serious hazards. Alert Level 2 indicates a decrease in volcanic activity but does not signify the absence of risk, as magma intrusion remains beneath the volcano’s surface. Regional director Donato Sermeno III of OCD-NIR revealed that the Incident Management Team is coordinating with local government units (LGUs) in La Carlota City, La Castellana, and Canlaon City to organize plans for safely returning evacuees to their communities. “We are targeting to initiate decampment within this week,” Sermeno stated. Current data show that 4,281 internally displaced persons (IDPs) continue to stay in evacuation centers nearly eight months after Kanlaon Volcano’s major eruption on December 9, 2023. Sermeno strongly advised that no individuals residing within the permanent danger zone should return due to persistent risks. In contrast, La Castellana temporarily allowed over 1,800 residents to return home two weeks prior, citing financial challenges sustaining those in evacuation centers. Mayor Añejo Nicor welcomed the alert downgrade and is awaiting authorization from OCD before facilitating further returns. About 2,000 residents remain in local evacuation sites. PHIVOLCS explained that the lower alert level reflected a consistent decline in monitoring parameters such as volcanic earthquakes, ash emissions, diminished degassing, and deflation of the volcano’s edifice, indicating reduced volcanic activity. Even with the downgraded alert, OCD-NIR will maintain checkpoints to prevent unauthorized entry into the 4-kilometer danger zone. Currently, farmers are permitted access between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. for essential activities under strict monitoring. Previously, during Alert Level 3, a 6-kilometer extended danger zone was enforced to mitigate risk following the eruption. Meanwhile, some evacuees residing within the danger zone have shown interest in government-provided relocation sites as authorities prepare for gradual demobilization efforts.

Murder of Teduray Leader Sparks Calls for Justice Amid Ongoing Violence in South Upi

COTABATO CITY — The recent killing of Nickasio Tayas Mindo, a former councilman and respected Teduray leader, marks the latest in a series of violent attacks targeting the non-Moro indigenous peoples (NMIPs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Mindo was ambushed last Friday afternoon in Barangay Romongaob, South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur, by unidentified assailants. His wife, Jenelyn Mutia Gunsi Mindo, a dedicated elementary school teacher, was seriously injured in the attack and remains hospitalized. South Upi Mayor Helen Benito, a Teduray herself and sister of slain Vice Mayor Roldan Benito, who was killed in a similar ambush last year, issued a strong condemnation of the attack. "It is with great sorrow and outrage that we condemn in the strongest terms the brutal ambush that claimed the life of Mr. Nickasio Tayas Mindo, a respected farmer and former Barangay Kagawad of Pilar, and seriously wounded his wife, Mrs. Jenelyn Mutia Gunsi Mindo," Benito said in a statement. Mayor Benito emphasized that the attack, which took place in broad daylight in Sitio Lenan while the couple was traveling peacefully, represents an affront to the peace and stability that the community and regional leaders have tirelessly pursued. Mindo was laid to rest on Saturday in Barangay Pilar’s Sitio Saramuray. She urged law enforcement agencies, including the South Upi police, to expedite efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible. "Violence has no place in our municipality, and we will not allow fear and lawlessness to reign," Benito added. Highlighting a broader context, Timuay Labi Letecio Datuwata, the Timuay Justice and Governance supreme chieftain, pointed out that all killings of Teduray-Lambangian leaders, local officials, and farmers since BARMM’s establishment in 2019 remain unresolved. The Teduray Youth group echoed these concerns in a public statement, denouncing what they describe as "seemingly endless violence against Non-Moro indigenous peoples in South Upi." They noted that since 2019, 29 indigenous leaders and farmers have been killed in South Upi alone, part of a total of 93 slain individuals across Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte during the same period. "Despite this huge number, justice remains elusive and the perpetrators remain scot-free… Where is justice?" the group questioned, underscoring the urgent need for law enforcement and government response to protect NMIP communities in BARMM.

Larga Pilipinas Cycling Tournament Postponed to Late November Due to Severe Weather

MANILA – The upcoming Larga Pilipinas cycling tournament has been deferred to a later date in response to the recent adverse weather conditions that have impacted large parts of Northern Luzon. Originally planned to commence on August 2, the six-day race will now begin on November 29. Snow Badua, operations chief of Larga Pilipinas, announced the change during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) forum held Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila. He explained, "It’s quite unfortunate because the teams prepared hard for this. But as we speak, there are areas in Northern Luzon, especially in the Cordilleras, that are currently isolated because of the heavy rains." Badua further noted the decision was made in close coordination with local government units (LGUs) and upon the recommendation of PhilCycling president Abraham Tolentino. He emphasized, "Northern Luzon was heavily battered, that’s why we needed to reset the schedule." Highlighting considerations for safety and logistics, Badua said, "The weather in November in Northern Luzon should be considerably better for the races to proceed safely. Let the typhoon season pass first. Let’s give the LGUs all the time to focus on the situation and not add to their concerns." All participating teams, including international contingents that were scheduled to arrive soon, have been promptly informed about the postponement.

Five of Ten Inmates Recaptured Following Jail Break in Batangas

LUCENA CITY, QUEZON — Ten prisoners escaped from the Batangas Provincial Jail in Ibaan on the morning of July 28, 2025, after overpowering a jail guard during an escorted transfer, according to police reports. The Calabarzon Police Regional Office (PRO-4A) detailed that the breakout occurred when one inmate produced an ice pick and seized the guard’s firearm while being moved to the jail’s public utility area. Taking advantage of the ensuing chaos, several detainees fled on foot towards Barangay Quilo, leaving the jail facility in Barangay Malainin. By Monday afternoon, authorities had apprehended five of the escapees, who surrendered voluntarily, said Lt. Col. Chitadel Gaoiran, spokesperson for PRO-4A. The remaining fugitives are still at large, prompting intensified pursuit efforts. Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto has mandated a comprehensive investigation into the incident to determine security lapses and prevent future occurrences. This incident has heightened concern over detention facility security protocols in the region.