The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the Mayon volcano later level and extended the danger zone around the mountain to 8km from the crater.
The Mayon volcano’s ash cloud towered over the 2,460-metre mountain, with ash fall being observed in parts of the province’s 2nd and 3rd districts, as well as in Legazpi City.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors and wear face makes, with the Albay Governor issuing a shock warning and reporting that zero visibility has been reported in parts of Guinobatan, Ligao and Camalig after a major ash eruption from the Mayon volcano.
Al Francis Bichara said: “Everyone is advised to wear their face masks and to stay indoors.”
Schools have also been ordered to shut across the whole province of Albay.
Al Francis Bichara added: “Classes in all levels private and public are now suspended in the whole province of Albay.
“Mayor volcano is eruption. Everybody is advised to stay indoors, especially to our friends in the third district of Albay.”
Watch live webcam footage as the Mayon Volcano threatens to devastate its surrounding communities with a further eruption.
Phivolcs warned a “hazardous” eruption is imminent in the coming days.
Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said: “The public is reminded not to panic.
“In essence, just be ready.”
Some 27,000 people have been evacuated around the Mayon volcano that is famed for its perfect cone.
Renato Solidum added the eruption may have been “phreatomagmatic” since apart from magma, the Mayon volcano has also spewed steam.
Alert Level 4, one notch below the highest warning level, indicates a hazardous eruption of the Mayon volcano is “imminent”.
Phivolcs said: “The public is strongly advised to be vigilant and desist from entering this danger zone.
“Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from eruptions can be hazardous to airbrush.”