Manila, May 12 -- The head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) assured on Monday that it is safe for people to cast their votes in areas where there are active volcanoes.

"In general, it is safe to go out and vote. However, we strongly advise everyone to stay out of the permanent danger zones around these volcanoes," Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol told the Philippine News Agency.

Bacolcol also emphasized that communities near Kanlaon Volcano, currently under alert Level 3 or magmatic unrest, must stay outside the 6-kilometer danger zone.

"Alert Level 3 means there is a heightened activity and a possibility of more hazardous eruptions," he said.

Taal, Mayon, and Bulusan volcanoes are all under aler...