Authorities on Monday thwarted an attempt by two groups of tourists to get near the crater of the restive Taal Volcano in Southern Luzon.
The tourists, about to leave Talisay town on two motorized bancas, were stopped by Coast Guard teams before they could leave the area, radio dzBB reported on Monday, quoting Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Armand Balilo.
The tourists planned to visit the volcano’s crater, initial investigation showed.
Last week, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level at Taal to "2," citing increased activity in the area.
For its part, the Coast Guard said tourists can go on boat ride tours but only up to about halfway to Pulo Island.
Going straight to Pulo is strictly prohibited, with the first offense meriting a stern warning, and the second, a fine on both the boat operator and resort owner at the point of origin.
A third offense means vessel confiscation and closure of the resort. — RJAB Jr
