TAAL VOLCANO: Some Residents Refuse to Evacuate Amid More Volcanic Activity

(Photo : Paul Quiambao, ABS-CBN News)
The volcano spewed magma on the early morning of Monday, Philippine time.

Despite the magmatic eruption on early Monday local time, some people defied the evacuation order and chose to stay at their homes.

One of them is Andy Pesigan, who lives near the volcano. Citing his father's tale who survived the 1965 eruption unscathed, he said that he was confident that he will survive this one too because the eruption is "not disastrous" and is mostly just "dust and mud".

Some residents at the Taal remained to take care of their livelihood.

Arnold Patiño, a caretaker of a fish pond in Sampaloc, Talisay City, said that once the rescuers came, he will send his children with them while he will stay to oversee his fish pens. 

The experts said that everyone must stay out of the 14-kilometer radius from Taal's crater. However, some non-residents flocked around the volcanos to witness the eruption.

Emma Magid, who traveled from Quezon City, said that it was her first time to see a volcanic eruption so she'd like to see it up close. She also brought her entire family with her.

Since the eruption began, the estimated livestock and crop damage are around ₱75 million (around $1.5 million), with the coffee as the most affected commodity.

Classes in all levels on various provinces and cities in Luzon are still suspended, but the government offices, except on Batangas, have resumed.

The province of Batangas is currently under a state of calamity.

READ MORE: Taal Volcano: Steam Blast Could Be A Sign of 'Major Eruption'

Tsunami Warning

Winchelle Ian Sevilla, PHIVOLCS' supervising research specialist, said that the volcanic activity intensifies swiftly and that's why the cooperation of the residents is a must.

Local geohazard agency previously warned that at least 132 barangays (the smallest political district in the Philippines similar to a village) are susceptible to a base surge -- a very turbulent and fast flow of lava and volcanic ash that squirts from the base of a volcano.

Since the Taal volcano is situated in the middle of a land, 132 barangays are also at risk of getting hit by a tsunami.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Monday local time that he will survey the affected areas through a helicopter.

Former presidential aide now Senator Christopher "Bong" Go claimed that the doctor has advised Duterte to halt the plan because of health risk. However, the 74-year old president made light of it and even joked that he will "pee on the volcano".

The president also assured that his subordinates, including the military and marines, are already moving to assist. He also promised that victims will receive financial support from the government.

He also warned the government workers not to use the calamity budget on fraudulent conduct because it is "intended for the public.''

Overpriced face mask?

The surging demand for N95 respirator face mask has led to business owners taking advantage of it. From the previous ₱30 ($0.60), it went up to ₱500 ($10) a piece. Some people hoard it and sell it online at a way higher price.

This angered the public, especially the online community who called these people "greedy", "selfish" and "will have a special place in hell".

The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry warned that they will not hesitate to file criminal charges against these business entities who have "unreasonably increased" their price for gas masks for  and "capitalizing on the consumers' urgent need".

Pres. Duterte announced that he will implement a price cap for face masks. He also warned the hoarder that he will send his people to raid their store.

Lastly, the President announced that they will be distributing face masks for free.