The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is preparing criminal charges against the suspects in starting a bush fire on Mt. Pulag, Benguet Saturday last week.
DENR is also intending to impose additional requirements for hikers in the wake of the incident.
According to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, DENR recognizes the impact the fire had on the national park, which is why his office will pursue all legal avenues to bring those responsible to account.
The fire inside Mt. Pulag National Park destroyed more than five hectares of grassland. According to the initial investigation, the blaze was caused by an explosion from a butane gas stove brought by a group of hikers from Cebu.
According to The Philippine Star, seven hikers led by a certain Kristomar Mackay were responsible for the fire.
To prevent a repeat of the incident, the management of the national park is considering designating an open area where cooking will be allowed. It may also require campers who plan to stay overnight to bring portable fire extinguishers.
Some parts of Mt. Pulag have also been declared off-limits to visitors to allow for rehabilitation and natural regrowth.
The Philippine Star reported that Mt. Pulag is a protected area and classified as a forest reservation.
The incident has trended on social media, with Netizens expressing grief and anger over it.
Even former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, who himself has climbed the peak at least thrice since October last year, based on his and his wife Korina Sanchez’s social media accounts, lamented what he called a “tragedy”.
“So sad to learn of the fire at Pulag,” he wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. “Ubos ang (Gone are the) grasslands and miniature bamboo! You can see the glow of the fire all along the ridge. What a tragedy, it’ll take years to recover and regenerate. And all because of a few people not following rules and/or being careless. More than galit, nalulungkot ako (More than angry, I am sad).
He added, “It’s ironic: When we say ‘leave no trace behind,’ it doesn’t mean ‘burn it to the ground!'”
Based on his travelogue back in October last year, he described the start of the trek as marked by scenes of an abundance of cabbage, petsay, carrots, and other vegetables grown by residents.
His “tired bones, joints, muscles and all,” were rewarded by a splendid view, which he captured on camera.
“It’s beautiful up there, and going up gives you a sense of accomplishment that comes with working hard and finishing something despite bad weather,” he wrote.