• GILBERT P. BAYORAN

While Kanlaon volcano remains restive, almost all of the 8,987 families affected by its phreatic eruption on June 3 have returned to their respective residences.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VI reported yesterday that only 10 families, composed of 34 individuals, remain at two evacuation centers, while another family, composed of five persons, are staying with their relatives in La Castellana.
The 11 families, who are residing within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone of Kanlaon volcano, were not yet allowed by the La Castellana municipal government to return to their respective homes.
In an issued advisory, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that Kanlaon emitted 2,635 tons of sulfur dioxide in the past 24 hours, and logged two volcanic quakes.
The normal sulfur dioxide emissions is 300 tons.
Alert Level 2 remains in effect at Kanlaon volcano.
In a statement, DSWD FO6 reported that it has distributed P24,090,978 assistance to families affected by the Mount Kanlaon eruption in Negros Island.
Of the assistance, the agency released P3,214,550 worth of family food packs, P4,896,428 worth of non-food items and P15,980,000 cash assistance.
Each of the 1,598 displaced families, who had evacuated, got P10,000 each, according to DSWD.*