DENR: Unauthorized Spartan Trail hikers to face legal consequences
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Visayas will pursue available administrative and legal remedies against individuals found responsible for entering the closed Spartan Trail without authorization.
The Central Cebu Protected Landscape–Protected Area Management Office (CCPL-PAMO) said violations will be documented, investigated, and referred for appropriate administrative and criminal proceedings under environmental laws, as authorities work to identify individuals who entered the restricted trail on October 17.
The management office cited Republic Act No. 9486, or the Central Cebu Protected Landscape Act of 2007; Republic Act No. 7586, as amended by Republic Act No. 11038, or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act; and other applicable environmental laws and regulations.
CCPL-PAMO said it would not tolerate disregard for the trail’s closure, warning that unauthorized entry into the protected watershed area could result in administrative sanctions and legal penalties.
READ: Nature’s treasures: DENR features 22 protected areas in Cebu, Bohol
Investigation underway
The investigation followed the circulation of social media videos showing individuals hiking in restricted areas of the Spartan Trail without official permits on October 17.
CCPL-PAMO is reviewing the footage to identify those involved and determine the appropriate action. Enforcement officers are coordinating with citizens who reported the incident through the office’s official Facebook page.
Monitoring and Enforcement Chief Forester Ciselo Albiso is leading efforts to trace and identify the individuals, working with local authorities and community informants.
The office is preparing formal notices directing identified individuals to appear at CCPL-PAMO headquarters for an inquiry into their unauthorized entry and activities within the restricted watershed zone.
During the proceedings, the individuals will be presented with documented evidence and informed of the possible legal consequences of their actions under Republic Act No. 11038 and related environmental laws.
READ: Thinking of going on a trail run or a trail hike? Try the Spartan Trail in Cebu City
Spartan Trail remains closed
The Spartan Trail was closed to the public on September 21, 2026, following reports of vandalism involving trees and protective gabions along the trail.
The closure was imposed to allow CCPL-PAMO to investigate the reported environmental violations, assess affected areas, and undertake necessary rehabilitation measures.
Protected Area Superintendent Forester Mardione Delos Reyes said formal access would only be allowed after comprehensive security and environmental assessments are completed and CCPL-PAMO issues an official public announcement.
The management office reiterated that it has regulatory jurisdiction over the protected area and that no outside organization, group, or individual can independently declare the trail open to the public.
Hiking, trekking, and other unauthorized activities remain prohibited while the closure is in effect. The public has been urged not to bypass barriers or warning signs.
Protection of Metro Cebu water source
CCPL-PAMO said the Spartan Trail lies within a critical watershed that feeds Buhisan Dam, a major water source for Metro Cebu.
Delos Reyes stressed the importance of protecting and rehabilitating the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, particularly with the threat of Super El Niño.
READ: DENR ramps up forest protection, reforestation amid El Niño risk
The office urged the public and outdoor enthusiasts to comply with the closure and directives from authorized personnel while the investigation and assessments continue.
CCPL-PAMO has yet to announce when the Spartan Trail will reopen. Access remains restricted until the required assessments are completed and the office issues an official announcement.
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
