Tourism may take hit with martial law order

CEBU, Philippines - With the declaration of martial law in Mindanao anticipated to affect the tourism industry, stakeholders remain hopeful that the chaos will eventually be contained in Mindanao.

"Incidents such as this is happening all over the world. If the conflict spills beyond Marawi then of course it will affect tourism in the country. All we can do is hope and pray the fighting will be resolved sooner than later," said tourism capitalist Jay P. Aldeguer.

In fact, while the entire Mindanao is now under martial law, Aldeguer said big cities in Mindanao like Davao are still business as usual.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday bared that he might expand the coverage of his martial law declaration to Visayas if terror groups spread their activities outside Mindanao.

This, after declaring Mindanao under martial law following clashes between government troops and the Maute terror group on Tuesday.

Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association (HRRAC) president Carlo B. Suarez on the other hand expressed apprehensions that this development may affect the impression of foreign tourists towards the Philippines in general.

"We will definitely find a reduction in tourist numbers in the next months if peace is not quickly restored," said Suarez yesterday.

Likewise, Cebu Association of Tour Operator Specialists (CATOS) past president Edilberto Mendoza Jr., this development will give another challenge to tourism industry players.

"Martial Law, no matter how we put it is really something that most people find unusual. This will really have a negative impact on tourism since the military presence would create an impression among the tourists that our place is not safe. There will also be restrictions during martial law when it comes to safety and security," Mendoza said.

Gunfights erupted Tuesday as government troops were about to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf leader who has been named the Philippine head of the Islamic State. The US government is offering a $5-million bounty for his capture.

The terrorists burned several structures in the city, including a Catholic church. A parish priest and several parishioners were also held hostage.

The President is mandated by the Constitution to submit to Congress his justification for declaring martial law within 48 hours of his declaration. The legislature will then conduct a review and decide by a majority vote whether to uphold or revoke the declaration. (FREEMAN)