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TRAVEL ALERT: Lake Holon Temporarily Closed Following Major Earthquake

June 21, 2026

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KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Following the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday, June 8, 2026, authorities have ordered the immediate and temporary closure of the renowned Lake Holon in T’boli, South Cotabato.

The closure, mandated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-12) and the local government of T’boli, is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the public as assessments of the area are underway.

Key Details of the Closure

Effective Date: Immediately following the June 8, 2026, earthquake.
Scope: The suspension covers all trekking activities, tourism operations, and visitor access to the Lake Holon crater and its surrounding areas within the municipality of T’boli.
Reasoning: The move follows reports of landslides triggered by the tremor within the Mt. Melibengoy (Mt. Parker) area. Authorities are conducting rapid field validations to assess potential hazards, including slope stability and structural damage to trails and facilities.
Duration: The site will remain closed until further notice. Reopening will only be considered once government agencies, including the DENR and the Protected Area Management Board of Allah Valley Protected Landscape (PAMB-AVPL), determine that the area is safe for public access.

Official Guidance for Travelers

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has issued a reminder for all travelers and tour operators to prioritize safety and adhere to official government advisories.

Coordinate Plans: If you had upcoming bookings, please contact your hotel, tour operator, or local travel agency to arrange for cancellations or rebookings.
Stay Informed: Rely only on information from official channels, such as the DENR-12 official Facebook page or the Local Government Unit (LGU) of T’boli.
Avoid Speculation: As aftershocks are expected following a major seismic event, travelers are advised to remain vigilant and avoid spreading unverified information on social media.

“This temporary closure is being implemented to ensure the safety and security of all visitors while the concerned authorities conduct a thorough assessment of the extent of the damage and evaluate potential hazards in the area,” stated Maria Elvira V. Lumayag, OIC Regional Executive Director of DENR-12.

For further inquiries or guidance, travelers are encouraged to reach out to the Protected Area Management Office-Allah Valley Protected Landscape (PAMO-AVPL) or the T’boli Municipal Tourism Office.

We encourage all nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts to remain patient and cooperative as the local authorities work to ensure that the “Crown Jewel of the South” remains a safe and sustainable destination for everyone.