(Photos courtesy of DENR Davao/ MANILA BULLETIN) In a statement on Monday, Feb.15, the DENR-XI said Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel Evaso, along with some officials and protected area conservationists, climbed Mt. Apo during the long weekend to “assess the trail conditions and campsite situation in order to determine and strengthen preservation and conservation mechanisms.” “Observations during the activity also led to pushing for stricter trekking rules because trekkers seemed to ignore the existing policies,” the DENR-XI said. “Trails and campsites were not just left with traces of footprints – so were empty soda and water bottles, face masks, and all other kinds of trash. Disappointingly, liquors and traces of drug substances were also observed in the area,” it added. It said even boulders were vandalized.