Mt. Apo trail in Magpet, North Cotabato closed to climbers

MAGPET, North Cotabato - The Bongolanon trails leading to the peak of Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines, will be temporarily closed to climbers, the local tourism office announced.

Tourism officer Carl Jones Tanaid said the closure will take effect on July 15 to September 30 to allow for the preventive maintenance of the trails.

 

Tanaid said the Bongolanon trails experienced severe damage following the recently concluded summer climb when many climbers chose to use these trails to reach the peak of Mt. Apo.

 

At least 2,000 climbers coming from the neighboring provinces of Davao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat and Bukidnon chose to use the Bongolanon trails due to the vast forested areas and cascading waterfalls along the route.

 

The trails have also become slippery and unsafe for climbing after North Cotabato experienced heavy rains.

 

Tanaid said the temporary closure will also help and benefit the wild animals as well as the flora and fauna that can only be seen on Mt. Apo.

 

“We consider these days as mating season of animals in the mountain that is why we temporarily suspended the climbing activities using the said trails,” Tanaid said.

 

Officials of Barangay Bongolanon have established a checkpoint manned by the village peacekeeping action forces to ensure that closure of the trails will be enforced.

 

Climbers who will violate the order will be asked to pay a fine of not more than P1,000 and perform community services as stated in the town’s ordinance 05 of 2009. —KG, GMA News