Climb Advisory: Beware of theft in Mt. Sembrano and Mt. Romelo!

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.

In response to reports of theft in Mt. Sembrano and Mt. Romelo, and the apparent lack of action on the part of the concerned authorities, we are issuing this climb advisory to warn hikers to avoid camping in these mountains and to be vigilant about their belongings at all times.

The history of theft in Mt. Sembrano is very long. On March 9, 2009, a Hiking Advisory was also issued, after several reports of theft. As for Mt. Romelo, there have also been countless reports of theft since 2004; our alarm has been more heigtened with reports of recent theft (Dec. 23, Dec. 27, Jan 3, etc.) Several complaints have been filed last year but there has not been any improvement in the situation.

The occurences of the theft were usually during the evening, and they almost always take place at the campsites. There have been no reports of open assaults or holdups. Nonetheless, this thievery is an affront to the healthy relationship that must exist between mountaineers and locals. We appeal to the local governments in Pililla, Rizal and Siniloan, Laguna, to intensify efforts to make these hiking destinations a safe place to be enjoyed by mountaineers and locals alike.

Moreover, for the time being we STRONGLY DISCOURAGE climbers to camp in Mt. Sembrano and Mt. Romelo; if you must really climb these mountains 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. Climbers are encouraged to pressure the local officials to act by reiterating our collective desire for security and our indignation against thievery.

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69 Comments on "Climb Advisory: Beware of theft in Mt. Sembrano and Mt. Romelo!"


Guest
11 years 7 months ago

An update on the security situation at Mt. Sembrano:

http://www.thebackpackersadventures.blogspot.com/2012/08/security-at-mt-sembrano.html

Thank you Sir Gid! and to everyone let's exercise proper vigilance when climbing this mountain.

Guest
Anonymous
12 years 11 months ago

Mga sir/maam, kakagaling lang po namen sa Sembrano, Okay naman po ung situation. sabi ng isang local isolated lang daw ung mga nangyari before. Nagulat kame kasi pag dating sa manggahan ala na ung mga madaming basura sa gilid na dating andun. Nagkaron pa nag Tree Planting event, cleaning at nag pa fun run! Yngats po plage 🙂

Guest
Anonymous
12 years 11 months ago

thanks sa mga share info ng mt romelo,, malaking tulong ito para sa mga first time aakyatin ang bundok,, were planning n umakyat dito next month,,although laganap nga ang nakawan,, wag sana naming ma encounter,, better n wag ng magdala ng mga bagy makakaakit sa mga mag nanakaw…or better sana kung aakyat is mei kasamang isang barangay official n mag bbantay sa mga gamit,, depende padn sa mga aakyat ang strateging ggwin para masure ang security ng group and nag mga gamit,,,sa kbila ng mga advisory and info bout sa bad image ng bundok na to..marami padin ang inaakyat to…super ingat ingat n lang talga… 🙂

rhizz,

Guest
13 years 26 days ago

kung ganyan ang usapan.. mag dala na lng kayo ng mga cheap. ktulad ng cellphone..

Guest
Anonymous
13 years 1 month ago

sir magkano ang total budget para makasama sa mt. mayon gusto ko sana sumama