Tanauan to implement total lockdown due to Taal activity

Though the local government of Tanauan had yet to receive a total lockdown order from the Interior Department, its mayor thought it best to lock the town down due to Taal Volcano's restiveness.

In a Tuesday report by Ian Cruz on 24 Oras, Tanauan Mayor Mary Angeline Halili explained that the danger from the volcanic activity was plainly visible on the town's security cameras.

"That in itself is already a warning for all of us that we must stay away from the volcano. At least, for the meantime, we are doing the lockdown within the 14-kilometer radius," Halili said.

However, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said that there was no recorded minor eruption on Tuesday.

The announcement gathered various negative reactions from its residents.

Though he was powerless to stop it, a man whose livestock was stolen said he did not approve of the lockdown.

"Eh, wala akong magagawa. Pero hindi dapat ano dahil mga hayop 'yun, nagugutom din 'yun. Hindi dapat pabayaan iyon," Panong Lalap said.

Meanwhile, a resident in Talisay who lived near the Taal Volcano Observatory said that he might just stay in his house should the total lockdown be implemented.

"Pag ila-lockdown na talaga nila, wala na. Baka hindi na kami bumalik doon. Dito na lang kami. Eh wala, mamatay din," Rodel Reyes said.

From evacuating to Manila, the family of Elmer Paduata returned to Talisay and found their home covered in ash while some of their chickens have died.

Despite this, the family said they were willing to return to their house.

Resident Jason Banate, meanwhile, only evacuated for two days before returning to Talisay.

"Parang hindi naman na sasabog na 'yan eh," Manate said.

GMA News has reached out to the local government of Talisay for their comment.

Meanwhile, Bernadette Valenzuela expressed her worry about her missing brother.

Marlon Deteral who lived at the Volcano Island has been missing for six days after the eruption at Taal Volcano.

Despite being encouraged to board the last boat leaving the island, Deteral said he would return to his mother's house.

Though his mother's house has been buried in ash already, the family is still hoping that he is alive.

"Hindi po namin iniisip na natabunan siya, na baka napadpad lang po siya sa isa sa mga evacuation center. Kaya Dawe, hinahanap ka namin. Nag aalala na ko kay mama," Valenzuela said. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News