The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) is going after those who vandalized the Mayon Volcano observation station in Legazpi City, Albay.
The DOST said it is also seeking help from residents to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
“Any information concerning the above case of vandalism as well as all prompt reporting of similar Incidents in the future will be greatly appreciated,” a DOH-Phivolcs statement said.
The agencies warned vandals that they could be charged with violation of Republic Act 10344 or the Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act of 2012 that penalizes “the unauthorized taking, stealing, keeping or tampering of government risk reduction and preparedness equipment, accessories and other similar facilities.”
“DOST-Phivolcs strongly enjoins the local government units and communities on Mayon to help in keeping volcano monitoring facilities safe from such illegal acts so that operational coverage of every sector of the volcano can be sustained,” it said.
According to Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, Phivolcs director, the Mayon Volcano Observatory personnel conducted a routine preventive maintenance activity last Sept. 11, and found out that “significant sections of metal fencing were sawed off and taken from the DOST-Phivolcs’ Upper Lidong Observation Station (VMUL) on the eastern borders of Legazpi City.”
“This station operates critical monitoring instruments, including a borehole tilt meter for recording ground deformation caused by magma movement beneath the southeast flank of Mayon and an infrared camera for visual observations of the edifice even during nighttime. VMUL was just commissioned in October 2022 and provided crucial data covering the recent 2023 of Mayon that led to its successful early warning and response,” he further said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Vandals break into Phivolcs’ Mayon observation post.”
