Unfazed tourism
Now that one of the three remaining members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Bohol has been gunned down, the search is now down to two, making it a bit difficult for authorities to find them. They are now relying on first-hand information from citizens in the area to help them track down the remaining bandits who they think are now weak, hungry, and on the verge of surrendering.
There is no uncertainty as to when they will be caught or seen dead or alive as I continue to be on standby for any development. The citizens in the area are already very vigilant, making sure to report all unusual movements in their area. Nobody knows the terrain better than the people themselves; they are the best key persons as of the moment.
Meanwhile, tourist attractions in the province remain swarmed by visitors both local and foreign. Last week, Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo visited Bohol to personally see the situation for herself. After receiving reports that the province's tourism is on the decline after the armed conflict that occurred in two towns, most of the foreign groups cancelled their bookings. The governor has confirmed that it came as expected but the influx of local tourists filling in has helped them get back on their feet. Governor Edgar Chatto has explained that it had little or no effect, which left the Secretary in the state of ease. She then talked to stakeholders in the province, convincing them that she will do her part as Tourism Secretary to ask the different embassies to lift their travel advisories against Bohol.
May is fiesta month in Bohol where almost every day, a barangay or a town is celebrating their fiesta in honor of their patron. Visitors are welcomed to dine and enjoy the hospitality of the Boholanos, any time of the day. The tourism sector in the Visayas is looking into making this part of the faith tourism that their national office is trying to push. Aside from church-hopping and dropping by places where pilgrims often visit, they would want to incorporate the different passions of the residents in the area.
It is true that the tourism in Bohol and in Central Visayas remains unfazed. I have personally seen with my own eyes how the daily businesses in the province remain normal. The people around the place I temporarily live in here in Bohol are foreigners who seem to have no idea of or are unfazed by the recent happenings.
The military has denied that the New People's Army has entered the province. They said as long as the bandits are still in the vicinity, they will continue to be on the lookout for them.
On the other hand, I am proud of how Bohol managed their tourism despite all they have been through. Recently, a man was nabbed with three kilos of suspected drugs, making him a supplier of the province. While that is another issue to tackle, the visitors remain to be seen in the different attractions, enjoying their time.
- Latest
