2 solar panels in Mayon stolen

TWO 150-watt solar panels used in monitoring Mayon Volcano in Albay province were stolen, a state seismic bureau official said Thursday.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato Solidum said two solar panels at the Mayon Resthouse Observatory were discovered missing by Mayon Volcano Observatory personnel during their routine inspection on Wednesday.

The Mayon Resthouse Observatory hosts instruments for earthquake monitoring, global positioning system and tiltmeters.

He added that with loss of power, no data would be transmitted from the station, consequently affecting the monitoring of Mayon Volcano

“All our stations around volcanos are powered by batteries and these would be charged by solar panels,” said Solidum at the sidelines of the Copernicus conference, European Union’s flagship space program, in Makati City.

“This will be valuable in really determining the appropriate actions in terms of volcano activities in their respective areas,” he added.

Phivolcs in a separate statement warned the public that Republic Act 10344, or the “Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act,” penalizes “the unauthorized taking, stealing, keeping or tampering of government risk reduction and preparedness equipment, accessories and similar facilities.”

“Hence, the public is strongly encouraged to help in taking care of our monitoring instruments and to promptly report any untoward incident,” the agency added.

Solidum reminded the public, especially the people around volcanos, that data gathered are essential for evaluation of the condition of volcano.