Viral standoff at Philippines’ Mt. Pinatubo exposes decades of Indigenous exclusion

Indigenous Aeta protesters blocked access to Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines on April 18. The Aeta leaders claim their community has not received their fair share of revenue from tourism activities in the area. Despite businesses and tours thriving and the local government collecting fees, the Indigenous locals are only employed as freelance guides for wages below the minimum wage.

Maria, an avid hiker, and her boyfriend were part of a group of tourists who had booked a tour to Mount Pinatubo on the same day. The volcano, which erupted in 1991, has become a popular destination for hikers and travelers due to its scenic crater lake. Upon arrival at the jump-off point, their vehicles, along with others, were blocked by protesting locals.

The Aetas have been protesting their exclusion from the tourism benefits of Mount Pinatubo, which is recognized as their ancestral land. They claim that tour operators and the local government have profited while the Indigenous community has been neglected. The Aetas demand fair compensation and recognition of their land rights.

Efforts to resolve the issue were made by local authorities, but the protesters were eventually dispersed by the police. Two individuals were briefly detained but released without charges. The incident has sparked a debate on the exploitation of the Aeta community and the need for fair treatment and dialogue on ancestral land rights and sustainable tourism practices.