OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) urged evacuees in Negros Island to stay in evacuation centers for the Christmas holidays due to the continued restiveness of Mt. Kanlaon.

“Mga mahal na residente sa loob ng extended 6 km. radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) ng Mt. Kanlaon, mangyari lamang na manatili sa mga evacuation center at huwag munang bumalik sa inyong mga tahanan. Ang inyong kaligtasan ang aming pangunahing layunin (Dear residents within the extended 6 km. radius permanent danger zone of Mt. Kanlaon, please remain in the evacuation centers and do not return to your homes yet. Your safety is our primary goal),” OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement Thursday night.

On Tuesday night, the Canlaon City government completed the evacuation of more than 6,000 residents from five villages within the 6 km. PDZ surrounding the volcano.

He emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing safety while the volcano remains restive.

Nepomuceno sought the residents’ cooperation, cautioning that attempts to return home during this period of unrest could be dangerous.

“Sa oras ng posibleng pagsabog ng Bulkang Kanlaon, walang mangyayaring pagsagip sa mga nasa loob ng permanent danger zone. Kaya’t mahalaga ang inyong pakikipagtulungan (In case of a potential eruption of Mt. Kanlaon, no rescues will be possible for those inside the permanent danger zone. Therefore, your cooperation is crucial),” he said.

Nepomuceno also highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting those in evacuation centers and urged all residents to remain vigilant and stay informed through official channels to ensure their safety during this critical time. (PNA)