The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has noticed a significant increase in the activity of Mount Kanlaon in the province of Negros Occidental in the last 24 hours.

Based on the latest data gathered by Phivolcs, 578 volcanic earthquakes and 603 tons per day of sulfur dioxide emission were recorded.

Resident volcanologist Marie-Andylene Quintia of the Kanlaon Observatory in La Carlota City said the increasing volcanic quakes and gas emissions show an activation of magma underneath the volcano.

She said this should not be a cause for alarm because the magmatic activity being referred to is still deep beneath the ground.

Quintia also dispelled fears that tropical depression Urduja might aggravate the unrest of Mount Kanlaon.

The volcano remains on Alert Level 2, including the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone which should be avoided by the public.

Last Saturday, a phreatic explosion occurred, which prompted the local government units near the volcano to be on alert.

Meanwhile, residents in the nearby barangays of Ara-al and Guintubdan are not alarmed with Kanlaon's recent activities. They say that living near the volcano made them accustomed to its quirks but remain vigilant in the event of an eruption.