All tourism activities at Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales have been temporarily suspended by the Department of Tourism (DOT). This is after the issuance of Executive Order No. 05 s. 2025 the local government of Botolan is canceling trips and programs in the area.
The reason for the suspension is the complaint by the Aeta people from Tarlac. According to them, their indigenous rights in the area have been affected. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) said that the indigenous people blocked the road to the Mt. Pinatubo Center due to lack of compensation and non-recognition of their ancestral domain.
Some of the indigenous people were arrested and temporarily detained, but were immediately released. The NCIP issued a statement calling for a proper dialogue regarding the indigenous people's land rights and the development of tourism in the area.
The DOT said that while local tourism is important for economic development, it supports the decision of the local government to resolve the issue. They added that they understand the concerns of the Aeta regarding Mt. Pinatubo.
