MANILA — Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go appealed to residents living in areas within the 14-kilometer permanent danger zone from the main crater of Taal Volcano to cooperate and continue heeding the lockdown to ensure their safety and protection.

Local government officials, assisted by law enforcers and national agencies, have been implementing a lockdown within the hazardous area that started on January 23.

Go stressed he does not see anything wrong with the implementation of the lockdown as it only aims to ensure the safety of the residents living within the danger zone of the volcano.

“With the implementation of forced evacuation and lock down due to the dangers of Taal volcano, we hope local government units will continue to lead in the implementation,” said Go in a statement on Sunday.

“Let us respect our police and military. They are just doing their job to save the lives of every Filipino. They don’t want anybody to be hurt. Let us follow them,” said Go.

Go also appealed to the residents to respect the seismological findings and advisories of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) amid criticisms regarding its supposed lack of information drive as far as Taal Volcano eruption is concerned.

“Let us follow PHIVOLCS. The safety of our people should prevail. We don’t want anybody to be hurt.  Let us first follow our authorities. You will be allowed to return to your respective homes if they tell that is is already safe,” said Go. (STACY  ANG/IA)