Mount Apo to be closed for trekkers until further notice

Due to the immense forest fire that devastated several hectares of Mount Apo’s peak, concerned officials and the Protected Area Management Board of Southern and Central Mindanao (PAMB) have unanimously decided to keep the mountain off-limits to any human activity indefinitely.

 

MT. APO FIRE. Indefinite closure for Mt. Apo was decided upon the meeting of officials regarding the recent fire incident in the mountain. Photo by the Bureau of Fire Protection Davao, grabbed via sunstar.com.ph

 

This was in relation to the forest fire that started from a campfire allegedly by three mountaineers who camped at the peak of the mountain that left without making sure that the campfire has been put out.

According to GMA News report, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said that the fire has already affected 350 hectares of forests and grasslands.

Also, according to Harry Camoro, head of Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Davao del Sur, a representative from North Cotabato suggested Mt. Apo’s indefinite closing to the board during the meeting until the mountain recovers.

With this unfortunate incident, activities such as mountaineering shall be postponed. Several booking have already been cancelled as well.

Mount Apo is the highest peak in the Philippines. Several volunteers and LGU officials have been deployed to help in the operations regarding the incident.

 

Source: mindanews.com, gmanetwork.com