DOT suspends Mt. Pinatubo tourism over indigenous people concerns

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) has urged all visitors and stakeholders to comply with the suspension of travel and tourism-related activities at Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales in line with an executive order issued by the local government.

Executive Order No. 05 s. 2025, issued by the municipality of Botolan, took effect on May 2. It suspended all tourism-related programs, projects, and activities at the volcano until further notice.

The suspension followed a concern raised by members of the Aeta Indigenous Peoples of Tarlac over their ancestral domain rights and tourism practices in the area. During a recent consultative session organized by the DOT Central Luzon office, five Ayta clans from Capas, Tarlac voiced their apprehensions and appealed for reforms.

In a statement on April 24, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) said the incident involving members of the Aeta community on April 18 highlighted critical issues regarding indigenous rights and tourism practices.

During that event, some Aeta members blocked access to Mt. Pinatubo Crater to express their concerns about fair compensation and recognition of their ancestral domain. While some individuals were briefly taken into custody by the police, they were released the same day with no charges filed.

“We are seeking explanation from the law enforcement authorities on the propriety of taking into custody the indigenous peoples who are peacefully airing their grievances within the four corners of their ancestral domain,” the NCIP said.

The commission noted that it has been collaborating with the Aeta community, the local government of Capas, Tarlac, and other stakeholders since October 2024 to resolve the matter.

“Our efforts aim to ensure that Indigenous Peoples receive a fair share of tourism benefits without imposing additional costs on visitors,” the NCIP said, emphasizing that the Aeta community's actions underscore the need for meaningful dialogue on land rights and equitable tourism practices.

“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,” the DOT said in a statement.

The department urged the public to respect the ongoing suspension and refer to official channels for further information and updates.