In the light of the recent tragedy that struck the Mt. Pinatubo trekking program in Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac on August 6, 2009 which resulted in the death of three (3) foreign tourists (2 French and 1 Belgian nationals) including four (4) Filipino guides and workers, the Department of Tourism – Region III deeply regrets its decision - effective this date - to indefinitely stop recommending the said trekking activity to foreign and local visitors, and to all DOT-accredited tourism stakeholders and major players until such time that the local government of Capas in Tarlac including private agencies involved in the operation of the program shall have officially secured an environmental and infrastructural clearance from DENR and DPWH including volcanic hazard clearance from Phivolcs and that it has satisfactorily complied with all the precautionary measures needed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of tourists.
Let this travel advisory be distributed to all DOT-accredited tourism enterprises: travel agents, tour operators, hotels, resorts, event organizers, health and wellness centers, tourist transport operators, tour guides, and adventure sports service providers, among others.
Given this 17th day of August 2009, Angeles City, Philippines.
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