Sorsogon rebels declare truce as Bulusan spews more ash

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Communist rebels in Sorsogon have declared a ceasefire, as Mt. Bulusan, after being calm for two days, belched ash and smoke about 1,000 meters high into the sky yesterday afternoon, the seventh such explosion since Nov. 6.

Crispulo Diolata Jr., Bulusan resident volcanologist, said the ash explosion occurred at around 1:24 p.m. yesterday and the dirty white ash drifted toward the southeast.

Diolata said there was no volcanic earthquake detected by seismic sensors around the 1,565-meter volcano.

The Sangguniang Bayan of Irosin passed a resolution placing the municipality under a state of calamity last Monday.

Irosin Mayor Eduardo Ong said Bulusan threatens the life, safety and livelihood of residents, especially the 33,572 villagers in 16 barangays near the restive volcano.

Meanwhile, Maj. Harold Cabunoc, spokesman of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said the insurgents declared a suspension of military operations through text messages sent to the media and local officials.

Cabunoc said in a statement that rescue teams of the 9th ID welcome the “peace offer” from the communist rebels.

Col. Audie Delizo, commander of the 903rd Brigade Disaster Response Battalion, said the ceasefire will ensure the safety of soldiers who will deliver relief goods to the affected residents.

“We have been weary about the roadside bombs and ambuscades by the rebel group against our rescue teams which are sent to the remote villages around Bulusan,” Delizo said.              – With Alexis Romero