Minor Taal Volcano eruption triggers evacuations in Agoncillo, Batangas

BATANGAS CITY – A new minor phreatomagmatic eruption of Taal Volcano has triggered the evacuation of residents from several barangays around Taal Lake in Agoncillo, Batangas, particularly communities closest to Volcano Island. 

Agoncillo Mayor Cinderella Reyes told ABS-CBN News that rescue teams from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and local police have been deployed to assist residents. 

The Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Philippine Red Cross are also helping with the evacuation.

Reyes said residents of Barangays Bilibinwang, Banyaga, and Subic Ilaya are among those being evacuated after the areas were affected by ashfall and a strong sulfur-like odor. 

The evacuees are being brought to the PAGCOR Socio-Civic Building in Barangay Pansipit.

The mayor said many residents sought assistance because they were afraid that Taal Volcano could erupt again. Some residents also said they could no longer tolerate the strong sulfur odor. 

At least 28 families are now staying at the evacuation center, while many others have chosen to stay with relatives.

The number of evacuees is expected to increase as the evacuation continues.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Taal Volcano erupted at around 6:06 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026. 

The phreatomagmatic eruption occurred at the volcano’s main crater and lasted for about five minutes.

It produced a dark gray plume that rose approximately 4,000 meters above the crater.

Light ashfall is expected over the southwestern portion of Taal Lake, including Agoncillo, Lemery, San Nicolas, Taal, Batangas, and nearby areas.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1.