Mt. Napulak temporarily off limits to hikers

Mount Napulak, Igbaras, Iloilo (Photo by Bert Esposado)

Mount Napulak in the town of Igbaras, Iloilo has been temporarily closed to ensure the safety of hikers.

The closure was recommended by the town’s tourism office and the 61st Infantry Batallion (IB) of the Philippine Army following a clash in San Jose, Antique on Aug.15, which resulted in the death of seven alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“The safety and welfare of our residents and visitors will always be our top priority,” said Igbaras Vice Mayor Vicente Escorpion in a radio interview.

Igbaras is one of the 15 towns in the province identified by the Philipine National Police (PNP) as “high-risk areas.”

“Our police station and the army are currently on full alert status against possible attacks by the NPA,” Escorpion said.

According to the vice mayor, there is no specific date yet for the reopening of Mt. Napulak, one of the town’s top tourist destinations.

SOURCE: Iloilo Metropolitan Times