The Taal Volcano near Manila (AFP/Getty)
The Taal Volcano, about 37 miles (60 kilometers) south of Manila on the island of Luzon, erupted in the afternoon.
Authorities ordered evacuations for three towns, according to CNN Philippines.
The Manila International Airport Authority suspended arrivals and departures.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that the volcano exhibited a "fast escalation" in volcanic activity. Continuous eruption generated ash plumes 6 to 9 miles (10 to 14 kilometers) above the crater, spewing ashes "as far as Quezon City."
The agency raised its alert status to indicate the possibility of a hazardous eruption with lava within hours to days.
The state-run Philippines News Agency reported minor earthquakes.
