Military forces are on standby in case residents in the coastal town in Albay province would need to evacuate if Mayon Volcano remains restive.

The naval forces in Southern Luzon on Friday held simulation exercises to prepare for a possible major eruption, with their assets on standby if the volcano's activities would necessitate evacuation at a larger scale.

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Some 75,000 residents have fled their homes after the government raised Alert Level 4, the second highest level in a five-step warning system, and ordered a 9-kilometer no-entry zone because a hazardous eruption is imminent.

Phivolcs studies indicate that Mayon Volcano, the most active volcano in the country, remains swollen and may continue to spew ash and lava.

Mayon, known for its near perfect cone, last erupted in 2014. Its most destructive eruption was in February 1841, when lava flows buried a town and killed 1,200 people.