ILOILO – The highlands of the municipalities of Miag-ao, Igbaras and San Joaquin in southern Iloilo are now safe for tourism activities, announced the Philippine Army.
Last week, Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot Jr., commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB), advised tourists to stay away from these towns’ mountainous areas because government troops were pursuing New People’s Army (NPA) rebels there.
Yesterday, he announced that their hot pursuit operations have been completed.
The highlands of Miag-ao, Igbaras and San Joaquin are popular to tourists, especially hikers. In Miag-ao, the Kabugsokan Falls in Barangay Dalije and Tinagong Dagat in Barangay Ongyod are considered fledgling tourist spots.
On the other hand, Mt. Opao and Mt. Napulak in Igbaras are favorite destinations of mountain trekkers.
Magbalot said he would be asking the mayors of the three towns to disseminate the information that the Army had rescinded its advisory to tourists issued last week.
The 61IB troops and rebels clashed four times recently: in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao on March 24; Sitio Igburay, Barangay Indaluyon, Igbaras on March 20; Barangay Osorio 1, San Remigio, Antique on March 19; and Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras on March 17. The insurgents were believed to have retreated in the hinterlands of the three municipalities.
“Natapos na ang operation natin. We can now encourage tourists na gawin ang normal activities nila,” said Magbalot.
He, however, clarified that government troops would continue to secure the highlands of the three municipalities and nearby environs.
Many more people may be spending Lent there, said Magbalot./PN
