Philippine volcano explodes, villagers flee back to shelters

MANILA, Philippines— The Philippines' most active volcano ejected a huge column of lava fragments, ash and smoke in a thunderous explosion Monday, sending thousands of villagers back to evacuation centers and prompting a warning that a violent eruption may be imminent.The midday explosion sent superheated lava, molten rocks and steam between 2 to 3 miles into the blue sky, and then some cascaded down Mount Mayon's slopes and shrouded nearby villages in darkness, Renato Solidum of the Phili