Hiking Advisory: Campsite theft in Mt. Sembrano

PinoyMountaineer.com periodically issues “Hiking advisories” as a form of warning to fellow climbers as regards conditions in various mountains. However, they are a matter of personal opinion and must be read in that light.

We have been informed through email and comments of multiple incidents of theft in Mt. Sembrano in the past couple of months, the most recent of which was just yesterday. Although we DO NOT wish to cast bad publicity to any persons/places, I think mountaineers deserve to be warned of this threat.

On Feb. 21, four hiking backpacks were allegedly stolen as well as a burner and a pair of shoes, accounting for two separate instances. March 7-8: Two backpacks were allegedly stolen, as well as cellphones and other stuff amounting to an estimated P35,000. Other cases have been reported as well since January.

All of the cases occurred in the campsite and during an overnight trek. Although there is no mention of any assault or physical harm done, there has likewise been no encounter between the thief/thieves and the climbers. A suspect has already been identified but the case still has to be resolved.

Thus, for the time being we STRONGLY DISCOURAGE climbers to climb Mt. Sembrano; if you must really climb Sembrano then do it as a dayhike. We are not afraid of petty thieves but we must show the locals in all mountaineering destinations that they have a responsibility to maintain peace and order if they wish to have visitors in their place.