Vandalism, littering cause temporary closure of Spartan Trail

Local

By Kaiser Jan Fuentes

THE popular Spartan Trail is taking a break as authorities investigate reported vandalism and improper waste disposal along a portion of the Cebu City hiking route.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Central Visayas (DENR 7) closed a section of the trail in Barangay Buhisan, Cebu City, after a field investigation verified reports of vandalism and improper waste disposal.

The affected portion passes through the Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) and is located in its Strict Protection Zone, where only limited activities are allowed.

The closure allows the CCPL Protected Area Management Office (CCPL-PAMO) to conduct further investigation and assessment and provide the affected area time for rehabilitation and restoration.

Initial findings included reported vandalism of trees and gabions established by the PAMO along the trail. The gabions were reportedly vandalized with Pylux, which could potentially affect water quality and the marine ecosystem in the protected area.

DENR 7 said the findings remain subject to further investigation and validation. No specific individual or group has been identified as responsible for the reported acts.

During field verification, the CCPL-PAMO also removed or erased unauthorized markings found on fallen trees and structures along the trail using appropriate methods to prevent further damage.

Depending on the investigation results, the reported acts may constitute violations of Republic Act No. 7586, as amended by Republic Act No. 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act, and Republic Act No. 9486, which provides for the protection and management of the CCPL.

Among the prohibited acts under these laws are damaging natural formations and other objects of natural or scenic value, damaging roads and trails, littering or depositing waste, and introducing toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances into protected areas without authorization.

DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Laudemir S. Salac said the closure is intended to prevent further disturbance while the affected area recovers.

“If we want this area to recover and regain its ecological health, we must give it the protection and time it needs. Kailangan natin maging mahigpit sa pagsasara ng lugar—not to keep people away permanently, but to make sure that the area is not further disturbed while nature is given the chance to heal and recover,” Salac said.

Protected Area Superintendent Forester Mardione delos Reyes said the CCPL will strengthen monitoring and enforcement through the deployment of forest wardens.

“As we move forward following the closure of the Spartan Trail, the CCPL will strengthen its deployment and monitoring efforts through our forest wardens. This will allow us to regularly monitor the area, ensure compliance with the closure, and prevent activities that may further impact the protected area. More importantly, our goal is to work with stakeholders toward the proper management and long-term protection of CCPL,” delos Reyes said.

The CCPL-PAMO is coordinating with the Barangay Local Government Unit of Buhisan and other concerned stakeholders, including trail groups and regular trail users, to strengthen monitoring and reporting.

Several Cebu-based hiking and outdoor groups have expressed support for the temporary closure.

“Let’s protect the trails we love and help preserve Cebu’s mountains for everyone,” Saag Hikers said in its statement, while urging hikers to respect the closure and avoid entering the trail until further notice.

TrailBuddies said, “Some trails need to be closed so they can heal,” as the group expressed support for the closure following the reported acts of vandalism.

Another ground, Pamagdoy, said the temporary closure “is not the end of the trail - it is an opportunity to restore and protect it so that it can continue to be enjoyed responsibly in the future.”

Hiking content creator The Sugboanon Juanderer also expressed support for the closure, saying, “Let this be a reminder that Leave No Trace, respect for nature, and accountability should always be part of every adventure.”

DENR 7 reminded the public not to enter, cross or access the closed portion of the Spartan Trail while the closure remains in effect.

Trail users are also urged not to bypass barriers, closure notices or other restrictions installed by the CCPL-PAMO.

The agency said illegal occupation of the area is punishable by law and carries fines and imprisonment.

The Spartan Trail is a popular destination among trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts and has also been identified for possible development as an ecotourism site, subject to applicable protected-area policies and proper visitor management.

DENR 7 urged trail users and the surrounding community to respect the closure and report any information or evidence that may help the ongoing investigation.

The public is advised to wait for an official announcement from the CCPL-PAMO and the Protected Area Management Board before returning to the affected portion of the Spartan Trail.(MyTVCebu)