MANILA, Philippines- Hinimok ng Department of Tourism (DOT) nitong Linggo ang mga turista na tumalima sa suspensyon ng local government sa travel at tourism-related activities sa Mt. Pinatubo sa Botolan, Zambales.
Nakasaad sa Executive Order No. 05 s. 2025 na ang “Suspension of All Tourism-related Activities, Programs, and Projects at Mt. Pinatubo until Further Notice” ay umiral noong May 2, 2025.
“The DOT acknowledges the significant role that Mt. Pinatubo plays in the local tourism industry and fully supports the actions taken by the Botolan LGU under Mayor Jun Omar C. Ebdane,” pahayag ng departamento sa isang social media post.
“Likewise, the Department puts utmost consideration on the concerns raised by the five Ayta clans from Capas, Tarlac, during a recent consultative session organized by the DOT Central Luzon Office and various stakeholders,” dagdag nito.
Noong Abril, iniulat ng National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) na hinarangan ng Aeta community members ang Mt. Pinatubo crater upang ihayag ang kanilang hinaing hinggil sa patas na kompensasyon at pagkilala sa kanilang ancestral domain.
Sa pangyayaring ito, isinailaim ng mga awtoridad sa kanilang kustodiya ang ilang indibidwal subalit pinakawalan din agad ang mga ito nang hindi kinakasuhan.
“We are seeking explanation from the law enforcement authorities on the propriety of taking into custody of the Indigenous Peoples who are peacefully airing their grievances within the four corners of their ancestral domain,” pahayag ng NCIP sa isang Facebook post.
“The actions of the Aeta community underscore the need for meaningful dialogue on ancestral land rights and equitable tourism practices,” dagdag ng NCIP, binanggit na nakikipag-ugnayan na ito sa Indigenous group at kaukulang local government units at stakeholders mula noong October 2024. RNT/SA
