Tension in Zambales halts Mt. Pinatubo tourism

Because of the grievances aired by the Aeta community in Zambales regarding their rights to ancestral domain — which led to the arrest of some Aeta members last month — the Department of Tourism (DoT) has decided to put tourism activities in Mt. Pinatubo on hold.

The DoT, in a statement on Sunday, urged all visitors and stakeholders to comply with the suspension of all travel and tourism-related activities at Mt. Pinatubo in Botolan, Zambales, following the issuance of Executive Order No. 05 s. 2025 by the Local Government Unit of Botolan.

“Starting May 2, 2025, the EO on the 'Suspension of All Tourism-related Activities, Programs, and Projects at Mt. Pinatubo until Further Notice' will take effect,” it said.

The Tourism Department further noted that it respects the significant role Mt. Pinatubo plays in the local tourism industry and fully supports the actions taken by the Botolan LGU under Mayor Jun Omar C. Ebdane.

“Likewise, the Department puts utmost consideration on 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,” the DoT statement further read.

The DoT announcement stemmed from the outrage expressed by some members of the Aeta community on 18 April, when they blocked access to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo, preventing tourists from entering the volcano.

The Aeta community set up the barricade 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 taken into custody by the police authorities, they were released the same day with no charges filed. Nevertheless, we are seeking an explanation from the law enforcement authorities on the propriety of taking into custody the Indigenous Peoples who are peacefully airing their grievances within the four corners of their ancestral domain,” the NCIP said.

Since October 2024, the NCIP said it has been actively collaborating with the Aeta community, the Local Government Unit of Capas, Tarlac, and other stakeholders to address the IPs’ concerns.

“Our efforts aim to ensure that indigenous peoples receive a fair share of tourism benefits without imposing additional costs on visitors. The actions of the Aeta community underscore the need for meaningful dialogue on ancestral land rights and equitable tourism practices. 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,” the NCIP maintained.