MANILA, Sept. 15 -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Monday warned of a high possibility of a steam-driven phreatic eruption at Kanlaon Volcano following a spike in volcano-tectonic (VT) earthquakes.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said the rise in seismic activity and signs of pressurization could trigger short-lived, weak to moderately explosive eruptions.

"We cannot provide an exact percentage, but it is clear that the threat is high now compared to previous days. So we strongly remind the public that entry into and getting near the four-kilometer permanent danger zone is prohibited," Bacolcol said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.

Between midnight to 8 a.m. Monday, Phivolcs recorde...