Tulfo reveals illegal structures in Mt. Apo reserve

Senator Raffy Tulfo revealed during a privilege speech on Monday that business establishments have been constructed in the protected area of Mt. Apo in Davao City.

Tulfo stated he received reports from mountaineers about illegal structures within the Mt. Apo National Reserve, noting these are outside the buffer zone as seen on Google Earth maps.

The senator expressed alarm over the situation and questioned how such establishments were allowed despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to preserve Mt. Apo for potential UNESCO World Heritage Site inclusion.

According to Tulfo's office, DENR Chairperson Mercedes Dumagan assured that there was an existing action plan to phase out illegal structures within two years but Tulfo argued this timeline is too long given the urgency of the situation.

Tulfo also called for a legislative inquiry into the construction of Captain's Peak Resort in Bohol and urged the government to take responsibility seriously, emphasizing the importance of preserving Mt. Apo for future generations.