LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) expressed dismay over the loss of several monitoring instruments installed in the upper portion of Padang Village in Legazpi City, an officer of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
Dr. Eduardo Laguerta, a resident volcanologist of Phivolcs in an interview over the weekend said monitoring equipment installed at the slopes of Mount Mayon has been stolen Friday.
These equipment are composed of two solar panels and two deep-cycle batteries which were connected to the hydro lab being used in monitoring water level in the deep wells around Mayon Volcano.
Laguerta said the amount stolen equipment estimated to more or less PHP70,000. “We discovered that the equipment was missing when we visited Padang Monitoring Station to check the station and to conduct some monitoring,” he added.
Phivolcs also reported to authorities an earlier theft incident in their Lidong Monitoring Station, in Sto. Domingo town days before the January 13 Mayon eruption. Two solar panels and two deep cycle batteries were stolen by the still unidentified suspect.
Laguerta called up the attention of the barangay officials and villagers to help them secure and protect monitoring stations installed around the volcano. (PNA)
