The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed of muddy streamflow in Barangay Biak na Bato, La Castellana town, Negros Occidental morning on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

PHIVOLCS disclosed that the ashes which mixed with stream water were relatively thin based on monitoring.

However, residents living near the stream have been warned of possible flow of considerable amount of ashes that were deposited since Kanlaon Volcano’s phreatic eruption on December 9, 2024 should the rain persists. 

“Kung mayroon pang deposits, maaaring continuous siyang ma-wash out kung may malakas na pag-ulan,” according to Engr. Mari Andylene Quintia, resident volcanologist at Kanlaon Volcano Observatory.

No plume that carries ashes was recorded on December 18, 2024, PHIVOLCS said. However, 22 volcanic earthquakes were monitored within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negros Occidental vowed to monitor tightly the prices of prime commodities of affected Local Government Units (LGUs) in the province as the Christmas holidays near.

“We will conduct our daily price monitoring. Fina-finalize lang ang pag-prepare ng automatic price control natin upang maibigay sa ating governor,” said Kenneth Villarosa, DTI Negros Occidental Senior Trade Industry Development specialist.

Businesses and establishments that would defy the automatic price control would be penalized.

The agency, though, has not received reports yet on exorbitant prices or excessive price increases.

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense and Commission on Elections 6 have discussed on contingency plans for the 2025 midterm elections should the volcanic unrest prevails.

COMELEC 6 will focus tightly on the most affected areas such as the Municipalities of Moises Padilla and La Castellana, and the Cities of La Carlota and Bago.

COMELEC 6 has mulled on placing polling precincts in evacuation centers.

“Ang mga schools are used as evacuation centers also. And those evacuations centers, lalagyan namin ng temporary polling places,” Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, COMELEC Negros Occidental election officer, said.

COMELEC 6 has considered the staging of special elections should the volcano erupt on election day.