The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Center has started informing residents--especially children, elderly and the disabled--living near Taal volcano to voluntarily evacuate.

This after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised Taal volcano's alert level status to 2 after it showed increased seismic activity on Saturday.

Local and foreign tourists were advised not trek the volcano or go on boat riding around the lake.

"The public is also advice not to venture into the Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro as steam explosion may occur not to mention the presence of toxic gas," reported Sarita Kare of ABS-CBN Southern Tagalog.

Zenaida Palisoc's family from Manila was contented to just view the volcano from a far.

"Papunta sana kami doon sa crater. Magbo-boating kami," said Palisoc.

Patrick Palanca from Makati City meanwhile wondered why they were allowed to go on boat riding around the lake until Saturday afternoon despite the warning.

"We were wondering why there weren't any tourists," he said.

Foreign tourist David Ford of the United Kingdom has decided to follow the warning. "I've been told to keep away. We will follow the advice," he said.

The estimated 200 to 300 tourists and Taal resorts visitors have either cancelled their bookings or gone home.

For her part, Talisay Mayor Zenaida Mendoza said that it is business as usual in the area.

"Business as usual. Wala namang nakakatakot dito sa Talisay. Pwede naman silang mag-swimming sa mainland may mga ino-offer ang resorts," Mendoza said. -- ANC