Mountain hiking enthusiasts can go up Mt. Apo these days without having to worry about their safety.
“It is very safe now after the Department of Tourism opened it for hikers,” said PS/SUPT Samuel Gadingan, police provincial director of Davao del Sur.
He said the trail is in good condition as attested by a group of hikers from Manila and Davao that took the Kapatagan trail to the country’s highest mountain last week.
The entry point of this trail is at Baranggay Mainit, Digos city and the exit point is at Baranggay Ilomavis , Kidapawan City. The Kapatagan Trail has more of the “volcanic” experience, there’s a wide trail at the beginning that will lead to a mossy forest.
Gadingan said the hikers were grateful for the safety and guidance given to them.
“Sabi ko nga mag iingat lang kayo because from time to time bigla biglaan lang dumadating yung ulan jan sa area ng Davao del Sur” Gadingan told the weekly AFP- PNP Press conference at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.
He added it takes a coordinative effort to ensure the safety of the hikers.
To make this happen, hikers are required to register at the accredited DOT offices depending on which route the hikers will take. From there the DOT will coordinate with the police which will also relay the information to the Armed Forces of the Philippines that maintains a military camp nearby.
