The Department of Tourism (DoT) has announced the suspension of all travel and tourism-related activities at Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales, following some alleged grievances raised by the local Aeta community regarding their ancestral domain rights.

In a statement, the Tourism department urged all visitors and stakeholders to comply with the suspension, which took effect last 2 May 2025, following the issuance of Executive Order No. 05 s. 2025 by the Local Government Unit of Botolan.

The DoT said it respects Mt. Pinatubo’s significant role in local tourism and fully supports the actions taken by the Botolan LGU under Mayor Jun Omar C. Ebdane.

The DoT also stressed its consideration for the concerns raised by the five Ayta clans from Capas, Tarlac, during a recent consultative session organized by the DoT Central Luzon Office and various stakeholders.

Its announcement follows an incident on 18 April when some members of the Aeta community blocked the crater of Mt. Pinatubo to express their concerns about fair compensation and recognition of their ancestral domain, according to a Facebook post by the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

The NCIP said the incident highlights critical issues regarding indigenous rights and tourism practices. While some individuals were briefly detained by police, they were released without charges.

It added that it is seeking an explanation from law enforcement authorities regarding the propriety of taking into custody the Indigenous Peoples peacefully airing their grievances within their ancestral domain.

The NCIP disclosed that it has been actively collaborating with the Aeta community, the Local Government Unit of Capas, Tarlac, and other stakeholders since October 2024 to address the IPs’ concerns, aiming to ensure they receive a fair share of tourism benefits without increasing costs for visitors.

“The actions of the Aeta community underscore the need for meaningful dialogue on ancestral land rights and equitable tourism practices,” the NCIP said.

“Indigenous Peoples are vital stewards of our cultural and environmental heritage, and it is essential to respect their rights while promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism,” it added.