Mount Pulag closed to trekkers due to 'Gorio'

BAGUIO CITY — Mount Pulag and other mountain climbing destinations in southern Benguet are closed to trekkers until the weekend due to bad weather.

 

The Environment department in the Cordillera said the shutdown could help avoid accidents.

 

Severe Tropical Storm Gorio has intensified, bringing an expected moderate to occasionally heavy rains over the western section of Luzon, including Metro Manila, and light to moderate rains over the rest of Luzon and Visayas, PAGASA said in its 5 a.m. severe weather bulletin on Friday. "Gorio" is forecast to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday next week.

 

The state weather bureau is also monitoring another tropical depression that has yet to enter the PAR. The two weather disturbances are enhancing the monsoon rains over Luzon and Visayas.

 

READ: 'Gorio' intensifies; PAGASA monitors another cyclone

 

Mount Pulag, some 2998 meters above sea level, is considered as the country’s second highest peak next to Mount Apo. It is a favorite destination for mountain climbing enthusiasts.

 

The Environment department also closed down Mt. Purgatory in Itogon, Benguet and other mountains within the Upper Agno River Basin Forest Reserve traversing Itogon, Bokod and Tuba.