The Department of Tourism (DOT) urged visitors and stakeholders to comply with the suspension of all travel and tourism-related activities at Mount Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales.
It said the suspension follows the issuance of Executive Order No. 05 s. 2025 by the local government unit (LGU) of Botolan.
The EO, titled “Suspension of All Tourism-related Activities, Programs, and Projects at Mt. Pinatubo until Further Notice” took effect on May 2, 2025.
The DOT said it acknowledges Mount Pinatubo’s significant role in the local tourism industry and fully supports the actions taken by Botolan Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane.
The DOT said it gives utmost consideration to concerns raised by five Aeta clans from Capas, Tarlac during a recent consultative session organized by the DOT Central Luzon Office and various stakeholders.
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) reported in April that the Aeta community members blocked access to the Mt. Pinatubo over concerns on fair compensation and recognition of their ancestral domain.
NCIP also slammed law enforcement agencies for the arrest of several Aeta community members.
