MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to bar people from going to Taal island following the recent eruptions. This was after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana revealed that the President has approved the recommendation to bar people from living on the island. Those affected by the directive will receive the appropriate assistance from the government,” Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement. Panelo also asked the public for cooperation and assured financial assistance has been extended by the Office of the President to those affected. The President on Tuesday visited evacuees in Batangas city and appealed to them against going back to their homes amid Taal’s continued unrest.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 15, 2020 12:11 UTC