Increased sulfur dioxide emissions have been recorded at the Taal Volcano in the Philippines.

Footage shows locals observing the volcano as it emitted clouds of gas in Batangas province on February 20.

Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, director of state seismological agency PHIVOLCS, said Taal spewed 14,211 tonnes per day of sulfur dioxide on February 19 - the second highest volume recorded this year since January 25, which saw the volcano belch 15,145 tonnes of sulfur dioxide per day.

He said: 'It's a good thing there was no volcanic smog that formed because the wind currents are strong, but residents have reported smelling a foul odour.'

In a statement on February 19, PHIVOLCS said: 'DOST-PHIVOLCS reminds the public that Alert Level 1 prevails over Taal Volcano, which means that it is still in abnormal condition and should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity.

'At Alert Level 1, sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions, volcanic earthquakes, minor ashfall and lethal accumulations or expulsions of volcanic gas can occur and threaten areas within Taal Volcano Island or TVI.'

The local government has been advised to continue monitoring volcanic activity.

The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands inside the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' where the majority of Earth's volcano eruptions and earthquakes happen.