Mayon Volcano Remains at Alert Level 3; Viral Eruption Videos Confirmed as AI-Generated

The ongoing activity at Mayon Volcano has triggered concern across social media platforms, but officials confirm the alert level remains at 3, contrary to viral claims suggesting a more severe situation.

Misleading videos circulating on Facebook since January 6 have falsely claimed that Mayon Volcano in Albay province has reached Alert Level 4, showing what appears to be significant volcanic activity including thick ash plumes and pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). One video, which received over 274,000 views and nearly 1,000 shares, displays text reading “Nasa Alert Level 4 na wag naman sana kawawa naman nakatira doon [Mayon] Volcano in Albay” (It’s already at Alert Level 4. I hope not. I pity the people living near Mayon Volcano in Albay).

Technical analysis of these videos reveals they are AI-generated fabrications. Deepfake detection tools flagged the supposed PDC video as 89.6% likely to contain artificial content, while another purported eruption video scored 88.2% on the same scale. These sophisticated forgeries have nonetheless generated significant anxiety, particularly among Albay residents.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirms that as of January 9, Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, which indicates “intensified or magmatic unrest.” This classification, while serious, falls short of the more dangerous Alert Level 4 claimed in the viral videos.

Under the current Alert Level 3 status, authorities have implemented safety protocols including a prohibition on entry into the 6-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) around the volcano. Aircraft have also been barred from flying near the volcanic peak.

The situation remains fluid, however. Phivolcs has not ruled out the possibility of elevating to Alert Level 4 if specific conditions develop, including lava fountaining, lava flows with occasional explosions, pyroclastic density currents within the PDZ, increased sulfur dioxide emissions, more frequent volcanic earthquakes, or noticeable swelling of the entire edifice.

Precautionary measures are already underway, with more than 3,000 residents evacuated from areas near the volcano. Local authorities in Albay are preparing for potential additional evacuations from the 7- to 8-kilometer extended danger zone should conditions worsen and an Alert Level 4 declaration become necessary.

The current unrest at Mayon has developed rapidly in recent days. Officials raised the alert to Level 3 on January 6, less than a week after it had been elevated to Level 2 on New Year’s Day. This quick progression has likely contributed to public concern and the spread of misinformation.

Mayon Volcano, known for its nearly perfect cone shape, has a long history of eruptions and remains one of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes. The current activity comes as the region continues to manage various natural disaster risks common to the Pacific Ring of Fire.

This is not the first instance of misinformation regarding Mayon Volcano. Fact-checking organizations have previously debunked similar false claims about eruption status, highlighting the ongoing challenge of managing accurate information during potential crisis situations.

Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while urging residents to rely on official sources rather than social media for accurate information about volcanic activity and alert levels.