A social media post has been gaining attention online about locals barricading the road in protest against commercial tourism at Mt. Pinatubo.

According to a Facebook user, they were supposed to climb the mountain but encountered a problem upon reaching the area where they were supposed to park their 4×4 vehicle.

The Aetas have blocked the road as a protest against commercial tourism and that they did not accept their fair share in their tourism of Mt. Pinatubo according to their guide who is also an Aeta.

“Nakakalungkot hindi dahil nadisappoint kami as first time hikers na sobrang naglolook forward sa event na to, kundi dahil sa issue ng mga IP natin sa mga ancestral lands nila [It’s sad not because we are disappointed as first time hikers who are looking forward to this event, but because of the issue of our IPs in their ancestral lands],” the OP wrote.

It broke the user’s heart that it is being taken against the Aetas for not agreeing on the settlement with their guests.

“Para sakin, hindi naman mali ang mga aeta don dahil ancestral domain yon. At feeling ko, kayang kaya rin sana maprevent tong unfortunate event na to ng mga guest kung nagtake action lang ng maayos yung mga responsable dito [For me, the aetas are not wrong because it’s ancestral domain. And I feel, the guests can also prevent this unfortunate event if those responsible here just took the proper action],” they added.

Those from tourism came to the location as there were guests who were not satisfied with their organization. They said that they brought the police and caught those who had barricaded the road themselves.

With them just ignoring this occurrence, the user then expressed their disappointment as the OP questioned why they are not taking the concern of the natives seriously.

“Hindi ko dama yung sincerity ng pakikipagusap ng mga taga tourism tbh [I don’t feel the sincerity of the conversation from those in tourism tbh],” they further elaborated on what they felt.

“If you’re really concerned about sa safety ng guests niyo lalo na kayo mismo nagsabi na may mga dala pa raw na itak yung mga aeta kanina, I think isara niyo nalang muna yang mt pinatubo [If you’re really concerned about the safety of your guests especially you yourselves who said that there are aetas who brought a bolo earlier, I think you should just close Mt. Pinatubo for now].”

Upon seeing the post, several social media users took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the situation.

Given the situation involving the Aetas and their ancestral lands, it is important that their concerns are acknowledged. Addressing these concerns can help promote understanding and prevent potential disagreements between stakeholders, including those in the tourism sector.

The Mount Pinatubo Tourism-Organizers Association has yet to issue a statement regarding the issue or the viral post.

Other POP! stories you might like:

Church in Cainta issues statement after priest goes viral for raising voice at palaspas vendors

J-Hope’s love for halo-halo and Filipino cuisine creates buzz online after Manila show

Filipinos share witty remarks on the viral video of a penguin being released back into the ocean

J-Hope and Niana Guerrero’s ‘Mona Lisa’ dance collab sends fans into a frenzy

Former CEO charged with fraud for faking AI, uses Philippine workers instead of automation