'Big' Mayon Volcano eruption still likely

MANILA, Philippines - A major eruption of the Mayon Volcano is still possible despite a decrease in the recorded number of earthquakes and rockfalls, a state volcanologist warned residents of Albay province.

Ed Laguerta of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in a state news report on Monday that the crater of the volcano, known for its "perfect cone," may only be clogged.

"There is still the threat of a big eruption," Laguerta said.

He said the Mayon's lava dome, a mound or protrusion on the volcano, has been continuously increasing despite the apparent lull.

Phivolcs' seismic instrument noted two volcanic earthquakes and 14 rockfall events linked to the rising magma toward the crater over the weekend.

Thousands of residents within the 8-kilometer radius of the active volcano have been ordered evacuated by the local government.

A team of engineers from the bureau were sent Monday to evaluate the changes in the behavior of Mayon.

The volcano has erupted 50 times in the last 500 years, sometimes violently, endangering thousands of poor villagers who insist on living or farming in the government-declared permanent danger zone.

Villagers living near the volcano have erected huge white crosses at the entrance of their neighborhoods, hoping these will protect them from harm. - Camille Diola

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