Mount Pulag summit torched

ALMOST six hectares of the Mount Pulag National Park was torched over the weekend.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Director Ralph Pablo said the grassfire affected the saddle camp up to the ridge slopes at the northeastern area of the Pulag summit.

Officials confirmed damage to 5.9 hectares of grasslands, comprising 1.5 percent of the entire 557-hectare land area.

Grassland treks via Akiki Trail and Tawangan along the summit have been ordered closed until further notice to give time for grass vegetation to recover. The closure was also ordered as stones and boulders may fall anytime toward the camp site.

"Hikers [are] required to bring along with them at least two five pounds of fire extinguishers for them to use in case of fire occurrence," said Pablo.

For hikers and trekkers, alternative sites include the peak 2 and the tower site where they can view the sunrise and area of clouds along the Ambangeg trail.

The Mount Pulag National Park filed on Tuesday, January 23, a complaint against the group of hikers that was responsible for the grassfire.

The grassfire started as the group of hikers from Cebu, headed by Ramon Kristomar Mackay, recklessly handled their cooking stove.

"I am executing this affidavit to attest the truth of the foregoing and to formally file a complaint against Mr. Ramon Kristomar Mackay for negligently setting fire within the forest lands in violation of the Provisions section 78 illegal occupation and destruction of forest lands of PD (Presidential Decree) 705," Mount Pulag National Park management superintendent Teber Dionisio said.

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