%201.svg){kind=logo}
Emergency Hotline:
(+63) 2 911 – 8688
The Department of Health (DOH) has issued safety protocols to protect the Bicolanos from serious health risks associated with volcanic ashfall.
Exposure to ashfall may result in eye and skin irritation, as well as breathing difficulties.
The following measures are highly recommended to protect yourself from serious health risks:
DOH noted reports of ashfall occurrences in different cities and municipalities in Albay, including Legazpi City, Ligao City, Guinobatan, Bacacay, Camalig, and Daraga.
For emergencies, contact the following hotlines:
National Emergency Hotline: 911
DOH Bicol: 0992 811 0733
The Department of Health (DOH) will place hospitals in White Code Alert tomorrow, January 9, 2026.
Under this code designation, the hospitals are on standby for emergency cases and are readily available to provide necessary medical support for patients.
The agency will also deploy 16 health stations to provide immediate response amidst the procession.
Health stations will be located in the following areas:
The public is advised to contact the following hotlines:
MMCHD OPCEN: 0908-762-8858 / (02) 8531-0037 loc. 119
National Emergency Hotline: 911
The evacuation operation for residents within the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) from Mayon Volcano continues under the direction of the local government.
Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. stated that residents are eager to evacuate as they are aware of the increasing risks in the area.
“Ok naman po silang ilikas kasi alam naman nila na delikado sila doon sa 6-km,” he said in an exclusive interview with UNTV.
[“It’s okay for them to evacuate because they know that it’s dangerous for them there in the 6-km,”]
PHILVOLCS previously mentioned that the alert status of Mayon volcano may escalate to Level 4 if the hazardous activities continue to intensify.
Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division Chief (PHIVOLCS) Ma. Antonia Bornas said in a video statement:
"Maaari pong tayong magtaas ng Alert Level 4. Magkakaroon po tayo ng explosive eruption. Hopefully, makikita po natin ito sa ating monitoring parameters lalong lalo na po yung pagtaas ng Sulfur Dioxide na siya pong mangangahulugan na mayroong mabilis na umaakyat na magma,”
[“We can escalate it to Alert Level 4, wherein we’ll have the explosive eruption. Hopefully, we will see it on our monitoring parameters, especially the increase of Sulfur Dioxide, which will signify that there’s a rapid ascent of magma.”]
If escalation occurs, the danger zone will be extended to seven kilometers.
“Kung tataas po ‘to sa Alert Level 4, e-extend po ito sa 7 kilometers,” he said
[If it rises to Alert Level 4, it will be extended to 7 kilometers.”]
Additionally, Mayor Baldo urges the remaining residents to evacuate as early as possible, following the warning of PHIVOLCS regarding the hazards from the lava flow.
Recently, the Albay Electric Cooperative implemented a temporary power service interruption for residential houses within the 6-km PDZ, which serves as a safety measure to prevent residents from returning to their houses.
The Philippine National Police Regional Office 5 is currently on heightened alert for emergency response.
Acting PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez reminds devotees to strictly adhere to safety protocols when joining the Traslacion on January 9, 2026.
Devotees are strongly advised not to bring infants, children, or senior citizens to ensure their safety and security.
Pregnant women, individuals with medical conditions, and those who have been exposed to liquor and illegal drugs are also advised not to join the event.
To ensure safety and convenience, devotees have to consider the preparation checklist:
Additionally, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is currently coordinating with the Manila Local Government Unit and event marshals to provide an immediate response to any exigencies that may arise throughout the procession.
The PNP also provided the list of prohibited materials during the procession:
Moreover, the enforcement of the Gun Ban starts today, January 8 to January 10, 2026.
The implementation of the Liquor Ban within 500 meters from the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno will be effective tomorrow, January 9, 2026.
With reports from Lea Ylagan
The Supreme Court disclosed the topnotchers for the 2025 Philippine Bar Examination today, January 7, 2026.
On the list, the University of the Philippines secured the leading position with an average of 92.70.
The University of Santo Tomas and other universities also achieved top-ranking positions in the overall results.
The following top 20 successful examinees are as follows:
1. Jhenroniel Rhey Timola Sanchez - 92.70
University of the Philippines
2. Spinel Albert Allauigan Declaro - 92.46
University of Santo Tomas - Manila
3. Alaiza Agatep Adviento - 91.91
University of Santo Tomas - Manila
4. Angelica De Castro Mitra - 91.68
De La Salle - Lipa
5. Marc Angelo Galvez Santos - 91.58
University of Santo Tomas - Manila
6. Jeowy Loyloy Ompad - 91.25
University of San Jose-Recoletos
Enrico Gabriel Reyes Paguia - 91.25
Ateneo de Manila University
7. Johan Raphael Silapan Gata - 90.90
University of Santo Tomas - Manila
8. Marie Shantelle Atienza Sarmiento - 90.87
University of the Philippines
9. Richmond Bulan Lucas - 90.45
University of La Salette, Inc.
10. Jusmin Teriann Afable Yap - 90.36
University of the Philippines
11. Allan Leo Tabuco Paran - 90.20
Arellano University
12. Patric Kiel Quiroz Navarro - 89.93
University of the East
13. Alfrancis Bagadiong Cabungcal - 89.90
University of the Philippines
14. Gerilin Ano-Os Gascon - 89.79
Bukidnon State University
15. Ignacio Lorenzo Dela Cruz Villareal - 89.70
University of the Philippines
16. Mae Angela Damaso Locsin - 89.42
University of Santo Tomas - Legazpi (Aquinas)
17. Randall Lipnica Pabilane - 89.41
Arellano University
18. Mikaella Franchesca Nuarin Abisana - 89.38
Ateneo de Manila University
19. Chinzen Tañada Viernes - 89.35
University of the Philippines
20. Ronald Vincent Ofrecio Gonzales - 89.31
University of the East
