TREKKERS are now prohibited from climbing to Tinagong Dagat in Mount Mandalagan in northern Negros after 25 female mountaineers were stranded then rescued Sunday at Barangay Cabatangan in Talisay City.
“As of now, we advise trekkers not to climb to the area because of rains. And even if the weather is good, trekkers still need to bring a local guide,” said Geoffrey Gutierrez, head of City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Talisay City Rescue and Disaster Assistance Network.
There are two entry points to Tinagong Dagat – either through Barangay Patag in Silay City and Barangay Cabatangan in Talisay City.
“Tinagong Dagat” or “hidden sea” is a plateau used as camp site which becomes a lagoon during rainy season.
Gutierrez said they will have a meeting with the City Legal Office and Bantay Bukid today to review the rules and guidelines for climbers.
On Sunday, 25 trekkers, who came from various parts of the country, were stranded after one of their companions was injured.
Noreen Grace Cañasa, 33, of Cebu City slipped and broke a bone above her ankle.
The rescue operations lasted for 14 hours due to heavy rains, slippery terrain, and zero visibility.
The experienced trekkers, who belong to the Philippine Women’s Mountaineers, started their climb going to Tinagong Dagat Saturday.