MANILA, Philippines – Tourists who want to see the lake within the Taal Volcano in Batangas will not be able to do so after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) warned sightseers to stay away from the small active volcano’s crater.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised the alert level of Taal Volcano from Level 1 to Level 2 on Tuesday due to an increase in seismic activity and temperature readings around the volcano.

According to the PCG, tourists will be allowed to go on a boat ride tour only up to about halfway to Pulo Island. It stressed that going straight to Pulo Island is strictly prohibited.

The PCG will issue a stern warning on the 1st offense while it will fine the boat operator and resort owner at point of origin on the 2nd offense. On the 3rd offense, the PCG will confiscate the motorbanca and close the resort.

This was agreed upon during the Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council (MDCC) meeting attended by personnel of Coast Guard Detachment Talisay.

While the number of tremors around Taal Volcano has lessened, the Phivolcs was not yet ready to lower the volcano's alert level.

Alert Level 2 means that the volcano is experiencing magmatic intrusion that may lead to an eruption.

The PCG, meantime, also announced its evacuation plan and exit points.

Barangays Caloocan, Boco and Leynes shall exit at Sampaloc Road going to Tagaytay while Barangays Sta Maria, Banga and Poblacion shall exit Atsungay Road to Tagaytay.

Barangays Quiling and Tumaway, on the other hand, shall exit National Road to Tanauan, Batangas.

Currently, Special Operations Group (SOG) divers are conducting maritime patrols in the area.