By Hanah Tabios The famous Akiki Trail, one of the gateways to Luzon’s highest peak Mount Pulag, has been closed to the public following a series of forest fires in Benguet province since last week. (Mt. Pulag National Park official Facebook page / MANILA BULLETIN) In an advisory, the management of Mt. Pulag National Park said trekkers will not be allowed from entering the trail for public safety following a forest fire that occurred at dawn on Sunday at Abucot, barangay Eddet in the municipality of Kabayan, Benguet. The local tourism of Kabayan has been handling all tourist activities related to Pulag trekking. Trekkers who are up for extra adventure would often choose Akiki Trail to trek to the summit as it is also known as the “killer trail” due to its steep trail points. The site gives hikers the experience of seeing the rich biodiversity of the place, including its mossy forest, grasslands, dwarf bamboo, among others. Mount Pulag summit, on the other hand, is dubbed as the “Playground of Gods” by some locals, famous for its sea of clouds perfect for sunrise and sunset viewing. "The park management is hereby ushering Akiki trekkers to desist from entering the southern ingress or Akiki Trail for safety," the management said. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) in Baguio; DENR-Cordillera Administrative Region; Mt. Pulag National Park workers; the Bureau of Fire Protection; the Philippine National Police; and local government units are still collaborating in monitoring and suppressing the forest fire. "The southern ingress or celebrity trail is open via Ambangeg ingress and Northern ingress or Mt. Pulag Northern mountain Lakes is also open," the management added. Authorities are determining the cause of the blaze. Read more: Forest fires rage in secluded Benguet town