Philippines Fear Volcanic Explosions After Temporary Calm

L E G A Z P I, Philippines, June 25 -- Villagers took advantage of a lullto check on their mountainside homes today, despite warnings thatthe volcano looming over the central Philippines could erupt againat any moment.

After exploding Sunday in fountains of bright red lava, theMayon volcano calmed temporarily.

But scientists warned of more pyroclastic flows — streams oflow-lying ash, gas and rock fragments that can flow at 60 mph andincinerate everything in their path. Five miles away, explosionscould be heard as the crater burned bright red on a cloudless day.

Large numbers of the 35,000 evacuees returned to their homestoday despite the warnings, said Jason Aragon, officer in chargeof the evacuation of 18 area villages in the area 200 milessoutheast of Manila.

Thirteen military trucks were dispatched to keep them away. Mostof the villagers who returned were men picking up more possessions,but some were going into off-limit areas to gather firewood.

State of Calamity Declared

Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes said a soldier was killed duringa 10-minute firefight Sunday with suspected leftist rebels astroops evacuated two neighborhoods in the town of Daraga. One rebelwas wounded, and a backpack containing leftist propaganda materialwas found afterward.

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"While we admit that soldiers are vulnerable, I hope no onewould take advantage of the situation," Maj. Gen. Narciso Abayasaid.

An elderly woman also suffered a fatal heart attack while beingevacuated.

The 11 evacuation centers in five towns and three cities werereporting food and water shortages.

The provincial government declared a state of calamity inaffected areas, allowing it to tap a special fund for emergencies,and Reyes provided a check for $100,000 from the centralgovernment.

Airports Shut Down

Airports were closed today due to lack of visibility and dangerof flying ash and rocks. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo plannedto visit Monday but sent Reyes and two other Cabinet ministersinstead.