Manila, May 13 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed 200 troops and land assets to help augment ongoing disaster response operations following the eruption of Mount Kanlaon in Negros Island.

"These teams are prepared to assist in evacuation, administer first aid, provide relief, and ensure security in coordination with local government units and other agencies," AFP spokesperson Col. Frances Margareth Padilla told reporters Tuesday. "This is not just a duty, it is our solemn commitment of service and compassion."

A five-minute "moderately explosive" eruption occurred at the summit crater of Mount Kanlaon at 2:55 a.m. Tuesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

This generated a grayish volum...