Palace ready to give further assistance to Albay amid Mayon threat

Malacañang said Saturday it is ready to provide more help to Albay province amid the threat of an eruption from restive Mayon Volcano.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte gave the assurance as the province's local government indicated its emergency budget had been depleted.

“Handa tayo umalalay pagdating sa ganyang usapin. Kung ano pwede natin mai-provide,” Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.

On Friday, Albay Governor Jose Salceda said their P311-million quick response fund will only last until the weekend.

Salceda said the fund was spent mostly on the daily rice ration for the evacuees and the salary of 500 nurses they hired to watch over the health of the evacuees.

Meanwhile, a separate report by GMA News' Claire Delfin on GMA News TV's “Balitanghali” said various agencies have extended some P112.176 million in aid to Albay.

But the report said the local military also asked the communist New People's Army to stop fighting in the Albay area for now.

The military's Southern Luzon Command added many of those being assisted by soldiers are relatives of the rebels. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News