BACOLOD CITY, Jan. 27 -- The municipal government of Binalbagan in southern Negros Occidental has enforced rules, including limiting the number of visitors, at the emerging upland tourist spot popularly known as Mount Hermit in Barangay Bi-ao.

Mayor Alejandro Mirasol issued Executive Order No. 5, series of 2023, after uncontrolled crowds have been leaving garbage in the area and following reports that unauthorized groups have been collecting fees from visitors.

"Starting (Friday), all tourists, leisure visitors, and all visitors for any purposes of Hermit and Trese in Sitio Bulwang, Barangay Biao shall register at least a day before the travel at the Municipal Tourism Office," the advisory from the local government unit (LGU) said.

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