The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs-Dost) announces Mayon Volcano monitoring equipment was stolen on Wednesday, February 5, 2020. According to Phivolcs, Two solar panels, 150 watts each, were stolen from the DOST-PHIVOLCS Mayon Resthouse (VMRH) station that hosts instruments for earthquake monitoring, Global Positioning System (GPS) and tiltmeter. This was discovered by Mayon Volcano Observatory personnel during their routine inspection and preventive maintenance service on 05 February 2020. With the loss of power supply, no data will be transmitted from this station and consequently will affect the monitoring of Mayon Volcano.

Republic Act 10344 (Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act of 2012) penalizes “the unauthorized taking, stealing, keeping or tampering of government risk reduction and preparedness equipment, accessories and similar facilities”. Hence, the public is strongly encouraged to help in taking care of our monitoring instruments and to promptly report any untoward incidents, they added.

You can contact Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. Undersecretary, DOST and Officer-in-Charge, PHIVOLCS. “With less of power supply, no data will be transmitted from this station and consequently will affect the monitoring of Mayon Volcano,” Phivolcs.

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