Some residents choose to stay in Talisay, Batangas despite threat from Taal Volcano

Despite authorities' advisory to evacuate, some residents in Talisay City, Batangas remained in the area on Tuesday to watch over their livelihood and homes amid Taal Volcano’s activity.

Some fishermen were allegedly even planning to cross Taal Lake and go to the volcano island to fetch their horses and farm animals, according to a report by Oscar Oida on GMA News' Unang Balita on Tuesday.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised Alert Level 4 over Taal Volcano on Sunday after a phreatic eruption occurred. The said alert was still in effect on Tuesday.

Seemingly preparing to sail, fishermen were seen on Monday by the shores of Talisay rushing to clean mud that stuck onto their boats after ash fell from the sky following the volcano's eruption.

Fishermen clean their motor bancas at the Talisay Baywalk in Sta. Maria, Talisay, Batangas on Monday, January 13, 2020, to remove the mud and ash which accumulated after Taal Volcano's phreatic eruption on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020. Alert Level 4 is still in effect as of Tuesday as the volcano continues to spew out smoke and ash. Danny Pata

Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard have been barring fisherfolk from approaching Taal Volcano.

Other security forces from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and community volunteers were in Talisay to help in the evacuation.

Authorities said less than 20% of the population remained in Talisay as of Tuesday.

Some residents stayed in the area to protect their homes from possible looting.

They also remained in Talisay to take care of their houses and ensure these do not suffer further damage from heavy ashfall. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News