Precautions

Security is one of the main factors to consider in choosing your destination. And talking about security, the first thing that would come to your mind is the current insurgency problem of the country. Beforehand, I would like to reiterate that not all places have insurgents. The presence of which you can check through courtesy calls from the local government units of the place of your destination.

Although insurgents are almost scattered throughout the archipelago and the mountains are its usual domain, no records of insurgents harming hikers and climbers are listed so far. This is due to the fact that most climbing destination are already established and frequented by mountaineers, some of them almost weekly. In most cases, insurgents are not living within the mountains itself but on villages within the foot or slopes of the mountain together with non-insurgents. Most insurgents are also "educated" and knows who their enemies are, us mountaineers excluding. Violence only erupts usually during encounters so it is more of checking if any military operations are being conducted in the area of travel to assure your safety and security. Precaution against insurgents should be seriously considered more especially if you are a foreigner or traveling with a foreigner. In the final analysis, there are no indicators to determine if the place is safe or unsafe from such dangers.

Water sources are available on most destinations since Philippine forest usually has rivers, lakes and springs. But as I would recommend, bring your entire water requirement for the entire expedition as much as possible since expeditions usually last only for a day or two. If not, either use filtration devices, purification drugs or other methods such as boiling even if the locals claims that the water is potable. Taking extra precaution will spell the enjoyment and comfort of your trip than misery.

In terms of deadly diseases, the usual precaution done when climbing Philippine mountains is only against malaria since mosquitoes are the most common disease carriers in the mountains. You can check from the Department of Health regarding outbreaks and needs for vaccination or immunizations as well as other health precautions.

Deadly animals? Other than snakes, which in itself, an encounter is very seldom, no other dangerous wild animals abound the mountains that can inflict harm on you. Philippine forest has already been abused by hunters that encounter with animals are already very seldom since they are either scarce or they are too afraid to go near people. Other animals that may attack if encountered are wild boars and Tamaraws in Mindoro but to see one is already "one in a million." The closest thing to be considered as "animal pest" are the local leeches or commonly called as "limaik." But the fear of seeing one as well as seeing your blood flows will kill you more than its actual bite.