TRADE Secretary Ramon Lopez said Friday that the threat of terrorist attacks on top tourist destinations will have no negative effect on tourism and the economic growth experienced in recent years.
In a media b riefing in Hong Kong, Lopez said the government remains in control of the country’s security situation even as the British government warned its citizens against traveling to areas around the Sulu archipelago, including some towns in Cebu due to “credible information” that the Abu Sayyaf group is planning to stage kidnappings there.
Earlier, the US, British and Canadian governments also warned their nationals against visiting Palawan, a top tourist destination.
“In our country, as you know, that’s being contained… The President likewise stressed his approach to use all resources of the government, military, and police to really run after the terrorist groups to address the security problem, most especially in the Mindanao area,” Lopez said.
Lopez emphasized that the country’s economic potentials remain bright, citing the 31 percent increase in investments from January to April alone, compared to negative figures recorded in the last year.
Lopez said Filipinos should not let the terrorist threat endanger economic growth and potential.
“Let’s not shoot ourselves in the foot again, that when there are already good opportunities coming ahead of us, there are many who would negate it,” he said.
The President had earlier ordered sustained operations against the Abu Sayyaf, ordering security forces to finish off terrorists by shooting them on sight.
Following earlier travel warnings, the UK issued a new alert to its nationals to stay away from the Sulu archipelago, including the southern Cebu towns of Dalaguete and Badian amid talk of more kidnappings in those areas.
“The Philippine authorities reported that they had received unsubstantiated but credible information that the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf may be about to conduct kidnaps in the Sulu Sea, including around the islands of the Sulu archipelago and the seas/islands off the east coast of Sabah [Malaysia],” the UK Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
“Any vessels sailing in the area could be targeted. You should carefully consider travel plans and be especially vigilant at this time,” the travel advisory read.
“Attacks could happen anywhere, including in places visited by foreigners, like airports, shopping malls, public transport and places of worship. You should remain vigilant at all times and report anything suspicious to the local authorities.” With Sara Susanne D. Fabunan