Mt. Apo off limits to trekkers

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — In a bid to prevent forest fires during summer, Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak, was closed to trekkers starting yesterday.

Last week, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) ordered the closure of the Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur trail, which covers Digos City, Sta. Cruz and Bansalan. 

On March 7, the PAMB closed the North Cotabato trail.

The closure order prohibits trekking, climbing, camping and other activities in the areas.

Mountaineer groups have agreed to abide by the closure order.

The PAMB said violators face charges under Republic Act 9237 or the Mt. Apo Protected Area Act.

The onset of El Niño can bring warmer temperature and cause forest fires, according to the Philippine  Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Hundreds of hectares of forest on Mt. Apo caught fire in 2016.

The closure order is expected to be lifted once PAGASA declares the end of El Niño in Mindanao.