DOT suspends Mt Pinatubo tours due to local order, indigenous concerns

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has announced the suspension of all tourism activities at Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales, in adherence to a local government executive order.

Botolan's Executive Order No. 05 s. 2025, effective May 2, mandates a halt to all travel, tourism programs, and projects in the Mt. Pinatubo area until further notice.

This suspension follows concerns raised by the Aeta Indigenous Peoples of Tarlac regarding their indigenous rights and tourism practices.

On April 18, members of the Aeta community blocked access to the Mt. Pinatubo Center to voice grievances about fair compensation and the recognition of their ancestral domain.

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) is seeking an explanation from law enforcement regarding the temporary apprehension of indigenous individuals who were peacefully protesting on their ancestral lands.