DAVAO CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region 11 (Davao region) observed several violations committed by mountaineers on Mount Apo, the country’s highest mountain.
The DENR-Davao region, during a trail and camp assessment to strengthen preservation and conservation mechanisms on Mount Apo Natural Park and its surroundings led by regional director Bagani Fidel Evasco, along with other sectors and groups, from Feb. 11 to 14, observed many trekkers climbing Mount Apo despite the rains and strenuous trails.
However, violations were noticed on Sitio Paradise in Digos City to Camp Gudi-Gudi to peak such as the non-observance of IATF guidelines on social distancing and limiting the number of trekkers from 50 which is the regular capacity to 25 mountaineers climbing daily and proper waste disposal on the trails and campsites, sanitation and health protocols and vandalism along trails, campsite, in the boulders, peak, and even at the crater.
“There was also unregulated noise along the trails and camps, which disturbs the wildlife and disrupts the serenity of the trekking experience,” Evasco said.
The presence of alarming cultivation beyond the strict protection zone and possible use of prohibited substances due to presence of marijuana found at 87-degree trail going to the crater and peak was also noted.
In line with these observations, Evasco ordered DENR Region 11 officials to intensify the enforcement of environmental laws on Mount Apo.
“If left unabated, the closure of Mount Apo might be possible in the coming days, if necessary, to pave the way for the immediate rehabilitation of the park’s trails and campsites,” Evasco said.