Palace asserts it's still more fun in the Philippines amid travel warnings
April 21, 2017 | 4:08pm
Soldiers wade through a river as they search for the hideout of Islamic militants in Inabanga town, Bohol province, in the central Philippines on April 12, 2017. The Philippines military said on April 12 it was on the trail of five Islamic militants who are on the run after landing on a tourist island, triggering clashes with security forces that claimed 10 lives.
STR / AFP
MANILA, Philippines — Despite the recent travel warnings and terrorist activity, it’s still more fun in the Philippines.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella made the claim Friday as he stressed that the Philippines remains a safe destination for business or pleasure trips.
RELATED: Travelers cancel Philippine bookings
“We understand the concern of foreign governments over their nationals. However, we assure everyone that the Philippines remains a safe place to work, to conduct business, or simply to have fun,” Abella said, alluding to the Philippines’ tourism campaign.
“While we urge continued mindfulness of one's surroundings, it is still more fun in the Philippines,” he added.
Five Abu Sayyaf bandits, three soldiers and a policeman were killed after the local terrorist group attacked government troops in Inabanga, Bohol on April 11.
Among those who were killed was Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Muamar Askali alias “Abu Rami,” who was involved in the beheading of two Canadians and a German.
The attack came as the Philippines is preparing to host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings next week.
While security forces have thwarted the attack in Bohol, foreign governments issued warnings against traveling to Central Visayas, citing the threat posed by Abu Sayyaf.
The ASEAN meetings in Bohol pushed through this week after defense officials declared that the terrorist threat has been contained.
Abella said Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo is coordinating with her counterparts in the region to assure them that the Philippines remains a safe place. He said security around the western province of Palawan has also been strengthened to prevent any untoward incident.
Malacañang previously said tourists’ interest in the Philippines “continues to surge” despite the travel warnings.
The tourism department aims to lure 6.5 million tourists this year.
BrandSpace Articles
<
>
Philstar
x
- Latest
- Trending
Trending
Latest
Trending
By Helen Flores | 9 hours ago
By Ian Laqui | 17 hours ago
9 hours ago
By Emmanuel Tupas | 9 hours ago
Latest
By Bella Cariaso | 9 hours ago
By Louise Maureen Simeon | 9 hours ago
14 hours ago
By Pam Castro | 19 hours ago
Recommended