The Naga City government condemned the alleged harassment of a female hiker by a local tour guide at Mt. Isarog Natural Park, announcing immediate disciplinary action against the individual and a series of measures aimed at strengthening visitor safety.
In an official statement, the city described the alleged incident—where a tour guide reportedly entered a hiker's tent without authorization and harassed the victim—as "reprehensible, wholly unacceptable, and having no place in our community or in any of our tourism destinations."
The city government confirmed that the individual involved, a newly hired Job Order (JO) personnel of the Public Safety Office (PSO) with less than a month of service who also worked as a part-time local tour guide, admitted to the misconduct.
"As a result of this admission and the gravity of the offense, the City Government has immediately withdrawn all of his assignments and initiated proceedings to terminate his Job Order engagement," the statement read.
Authorities also directed the local tour guide organization to remove the individual from its roster and permanently barred him from participating in any city-sponsored, city-endorsed, or city-accredited hiking and tourism activities. The city is likewise requesting the Mt. Isarog Natural Park Protected Area Management Board and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to impose appropriate access and accreditation restrictions against the individual.
A joint task force composed of the City Legal Office, Gender and Development Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Public Safety Office, and the Investment and Tourism Promotions Office has also been formed to conduct a thorough investigation. The Gender and Development Office has been directed to coordinate with the victim and ensure that appropriate assistance is provided.
To prevent similar incidents, the city announced stricter enforcement of the alcohol ban within regulated portions of Mt. Isarog Natural Park, and will require all accredited tour guides to undergo mandatory refresher courses, gender sensitivity training, and ethics seminars.
Meanwhile, Lauyay Hikers and Joiners clarified that the tour guide involved was not a member, employee, or representative of the organization.
The hiking group explained that accredited government-assigned guides are separate from event organizers, or "orga," who handle pre-climb orientations, permits, and safety logistics for participants.
According to Lauyay, its staff responded after hearing the victim crying and shouting at around 1:00 a.m. at Camp 4, assisted the victim alongside the lead organizing group, and later reported the incident to the president of the Panicuason tour guides and the Naga City Tourism Office after descending from the mountain.
The organization also expressed support for the proposed ban on bringing and consuming alcoholic beverages along the Mt. Isarog Panicuason Trail and pledged full cooperation with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
The Naga City Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of all visitors, stressing that those entrusted with serving tourists must uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and respect.
