The government yesterday strongly advised tourists against visiting Tagaytay City for their safety as the threat of an imminent explosive eruption of Taal Volcano remains.
Commercial establishments located within the 14-kilometer danger zone around the volcano have also been urged to suspend operations until Taal’s Alert Level 4 has been downgraded, according to Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Epimaco Densing.
Tagaytay City, a popular tourist destination known for its cool mountain breeze and breathtaking view of Lake Taal, is among the areas affected by the heavy ash fall from Taal’s eruption last Jan. 12. The area is located within the 14-kilometer danger zone.
“We are discouraging actually tourists or locals to go up to Tagaytay dahil nasa Alert Level 4. Mamaya pag-akyat nila, biglang sumabog, makakadagdag pa sila sa tutulungan. We are really discouraging them from going to the area or even Tagaytay City,” Densing said.
On reports that some business establishments have reopened despite government warning, Densing said he would look into the situation.
He said the Department of Interior and Local Government had earlier released a memorandum to the city mayor of Tagaytay that “no commercial establishment shall continue to operate until and unless this issue of Alert Level 4 has been downgraded.”
“As early as the second day, no more business is operating within the 14-kilometer danger zone. In fact, even Tagaytay which is at the upper level, wala na pong mga negosyo nag-ooperate doon,” he said.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 4 which means that hazardous eruption is possible within hours or days. Residents living the danger zone have been encouraged to evacuate the area to ensure public safety.
Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum Jr. aid Taal has maintained its volcanic activity and its threat was not waning.
As of Jan. 20, around 53,716 families or 215,773 persons have been affected by the eruption. (Genalyn Kabiling)
