Philippines gaming regulator PAGCOR has temporarily closed Casino Filipino in Tagaytay following the eruption of the Taal Volcano on Sunday.
Around 8,000 people have already been evacuated from the area surrounding the volcano – located around 70km south of Manila – with authorities warning that a bigger, “hazardous” eruption could be imminent.
In a notice posted on its website, PAGCOR said that, “Since the Philippine institute of Volcanology and Seismology has raised Alert Level 4, imminent hazardous eruption is expected to affect Tagaytay City and nearby areas. Thus, resumption of operations of our casino branch in the city is indefinite as the safety of both our employees and customers is of foremost importance.
“Meanwhile, PAGCOR is committed to provide assistance to our displaced and affected fellow citizens.”
The Taal Volcano is one of the world’s smallest volcanoes but is the second most active in the Philippines, having registered 34 eruptions over the past 450 years.