Fact Check: Video Falsely Attributed to Kanlaon Volcano’s October 24 Eruption Causes Public Concern

A viral video purporting to show the recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano on October 24 has been debunked as falsely represented content, according to fact-checkers from the #FactsFirstPH initiative.

The footage, which gained significant traction across Facebook and other social media platforms, does not depict the actual volcanic activity that occurred at Mount Kanlaon, one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes located on Negros Island. Instead, the content appears to be either misattributed footage from a different event or possibly AI-generated material.

What made the misinformation particularly problematic was the absence of any disclaimer indicating the artificial nature of the content. The post lacked appropriate labeling that would have alerted viewers to its fabricated origins, leading many Facebook users to believe they were watching authentic footage of the recent volcanic activity.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) confirmed that while Kanlaon Volcano did experience increased activity on October 24, the circulating video does not represent the actual event. PHIVOLCS maintains strict monitoring of the volcano, which has been under varying alert levels in recent years due to its periodic activity.

“This type of misinformation creates unnecessary panic and confusion,” said Dr. Maria Santos, a volcanology expert at the University of the Philippines. “During active volcanic events, it’s crucial that the public receives accurate information from official sources to make informed decisions about their safety.”

The spread of the misleading content highlights ongoing challenges with misinformation during natural disasters and emergency situations. In recent years, the proliferation of AI-generated content has complicated verification efforts, as sophisticated visual fabrications become increasingly difficult to distinguish from authentic footage.

Mount Kanlaon, standing at approximately 2,465 meters (8,087 feet), is one of 24 active volcanoes in the Philippines monitored by PHIVOLCS. The volcano has a history of explosive eruptions, with its most recent significant activity occurring in 2006 and 2015. Communities surrounding the volcano depend on accurate information during periods of increased activity for evacuation planning and safety measures.

Local authorities in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental provinces, where the volcano is situated, have expressed concern about the impact of such misinformation on disaster preparedness efforts. “When false information spreads rapidly, it diverts resources away from actual emergency response and creates unnecessary stress for residents in vulnerable areas,” said Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council spokesperson Roberto Mendoza.

Social media platforms have implemented various measures to combat misinformation, including partnerships with fact-checking organizations like #FactsFirstPH. However, the rapid spread of unverified content often outpaces verification efforts, particularly during developing situations like natural disasters.

Digital literacy experts emphasize the importance of critical consumption of online content, especially during emergency situations. “We encourage people to verify information through official channels such as PHIVOLCS, government disaster management agencies, and established news organizations before sharing content related to natural disasters,” said Dr. Elena Gonzalez, a media literacy researcher.

For residents near Kanlaon Volcano and other active volcanoes in the Philippines, PHIVOLCS maintains updated alert level information and advisories on their official website and social media channels. The agency urges the public to rely on these official sources rather than unverified social media posts during periods of increased volcanic activity.

As digital manipulation technologies become more sophisticated, fact-checking initiatives like #FactsFirstPH remain essential in maintaining information integrity, particularly concerning public safety matters. The incident serves as a reminder of the continuing need for vigilance and critical thinking when consuming and sharing content online.