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Friday, March 29, 2024

Mt. Napulak closed to trekkers amid red alert vs NPA rebels

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ILOILO CITY—Trekkers are temporarily prohibited from climbing Mt. Napulak, a popular hiking destination in Igabaras, Iloilo.

Mayor Vicente Escorpion said the municipal police station and the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion are on “heightened alert” following the Aug. 15 encounter in Antique, where seven suspected members of the New People’s Army were killed in a clash with government troops.

“The closure would ensure safety among the trekkers,” Escorpion said, adding that they also want to avoid confusion because some rebels might pretend to be trekkers.

Photo by Bert Esposado

The closure of Mt. Napulak was recommended by its municipal tourism office and the 61st IB, he said.

Escorpion said he recognizes the mountainous town’s insurgency problem.

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Earlier, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office named Igbaras as among 15 municipalities whose police stations are at “high risk” of being attacked by rebels.

Policemen were reminded not to leave their posts and to be vigilant against possible attacks.

Escorpion is planning to conduct a meeting with the police and the army to discuss the closure of Mt. Napulak to determine when it would reopen to local and foreign climbers.

“We will analyze the situation,” he said.

An average of 50 trekkers flock to Mount Napulak during weekends, especially during summer.

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