More than 600 villagers leaves Taal

16-18 June

As Taal volcano remains on Alert Level 2, more than 600 villagers evacuated from the volcano island.

According to the National Disaster Coordinating Council report released June 16, a total of 137 families or 649 residents have evacuated from the municipalities of San Nicolas and Balete. The evacuees moved to the mainland. The evacuees from San Nicolas moved to San Nicolas Public Market, while those from Balete stayed with their relatives in Barangay Looc.

The more than 6,000 villagers of Tabla, San Isidro and Balantoc in Talisay; Alas-as and Pulang Bato in San Nicolas; and Calawit in Balete, all in the volcano island, were told to move out and go to the mainland. But, according to the reports, majority of the residents refused to move out unless they are forced by the officials.

As part of preparations, the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council, last June 10, formed two groups who conduct ocular inspections. One group, headed by provincial administrator Victor Reyes conducts inspection in Talisay side. The other one, headed by Joy Montalbo, Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer, inspects the San Nicolas side.

Inquirer reports that The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) alongside the local government of Talisay, on the other hand, conducts information drive urging the villagers to move to the mainland. Also, PCG provided four rubber boats and one motor banca which will be used in their maritime patrol and for evacuation assistance.

Just recently, the Department of Education declared no classes in the volcano island and transferred the classes to Balete mainland.

Sources: PDI, The Philippine Star, NDCC