GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 13 April) – Officials in Tboli, South Cotabato urged tourists to refrain from visiting Lake Holon after it was temporarily closed due to security concerns following a clash between the military and alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on April 9 in Sitio Tbul, Barangay Laconon.
Mayor Keo Dayle Tuan issued Executive Order 27 on April 10, suspending tourism activities to ensure public safety. The Tboli Municipal Police Station recommended the closure of the popular trekking destination, dubbed the “Crown Jewel of the South.”
Argie Amad, Tboli tourism officer, confirmed the closure remains in effect, prohibiting all visitors until further notice.
The clash resulted in the deaths of two alleged NPA members, identified as Anthony Narvasa and Roda Kian, wanted for murder and other crimes. Soldiers recovered firearms from the encounter site.
Later that night, a miscommunication at a military checkpoint led to soldiers firing on a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV), wounding three local government employees. The military acknowledged the incident as unintended.
Lake Holon, also known as Lake Maughan, is a sacred site for the T’boli tribe but has faced tragedies, including a deadly 1995 crater collapse that killed 53 people. Despite past recognition as one of the cleanest inland bodies of water and a sustainable tourism destination, the area remains closed until security improves. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)
