Government volcanologists, however, said there is no threat of a major explosion.
Dr. Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, said ash blanketed the villages of Monbon, Cogon, Tinampo, Gulang-Gulang, Omagon and Bolos, all in Irosin town.
The ash also reached Barangays Buran-Buran and Bacolod in Huban town.
This is the volcano’s fourth ash explosion this year, Solidum said.
The 27-minute ash explosion, which began at 5:45 a.m., drew applause from tourists but renewed the villagers’ concerns. – Helen Flores, AP