LA CASTELLANA, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — A social media personality has drawn attention online after capturing large birds flying around Mount Kanlaon amid its eruption early morning on April 8, 2025.
Photos taken from Miss Ching Lagawing FB Page
Miss Ching Lagawing, a local content creator based in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, posted a video and several photos on her Facebook page showing what appeared to be big birds circling the erupting volcano. Lagawing, known for her daily updates and photos of Mount Kanlaon, shared the sightings just moments after the volcano’s explosion.
The eruption occurred at 5:51 AM and lasted approximately 56 minutes, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). A dense gray ash plume rose up to 4,000 meters above the summit before drifting west and southwest. Loud rumbling sounds were heard in Barangays Biak-na-Bato and Sag-ang in La Castellana, as well as in Brgy. Pula, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
Thermal cameras captured pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) descending the southern slopes of the volcano, burning vegetation within a kilometer radius of the crater. Large volcanic fragments, or ballistic projectiles, were also observed landing near the summit.
Thin ashfall was reported in several barangays across La Carlota City, Bago City, and La Castellana. Residents in these areas also noted strong sulfuric fumes, with reports reaching as far as the Municipality of Hinigaran.
As of Monday night, some portions of Mount Kanlaon remain ablaze due to hot volcanic materials igniting surrounding vegetation. Authorities and residents alike are hoping for rain to help extinguish the fires, as approaching the site poses a serious risk. Due to the threat of further eruptions, entry into the danger zone is strictly prohibited.
Mount Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 3, indicating a high level of volcanic unrest and possible further explosive activity. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid ashfall exposure, and follow evacuation protocols if necessary.
The presence of large birds during the eruption sparked online discussions, with some netizens interpreting them as signs of nature reacting to the volcano’s activity. PHIVOLCS has not stated the birds but continues to monitor the situation closely.