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[av_heading heading=’Negros Occidental still safe for tourists’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
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Thursday, June 29, 2017
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BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental remains a safe destination for tourists despite the recent atrocities perpetrated by bandits and rebels that affected the country’s tourism prospects, according to the Provincial Tourism Office.
Provincial tourism officer Cristine Mansinares said in a report on Tuesday that despite the perception that Visayas was unsafe because it was near Mindanao, tourists coming to Negros Occidental were assured of their security.
She said that indeed some foreign nationals cancelled their reservations in resorts in Sipalay City in southern Negros, an area famous for its idyllic beaches and diving spots.
Mansinares, however, said bookings by domestic tourists and visitors compensated for the revenue losses.
She added there were also cases when foreign nationals who cancelled their bookings in Davao or Bohol decided to visit Negros Occidental instead.
Negros Island Region is terror-free although they reminded the public to remain alert, authorities said.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Coast Guard have also intensified security operations in the coastal areas.
Earlier this month, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. ordered the creation of the Negros Occidental Task Force for Peace and Security or Task Force Buglas.
The governor’s said: “Islamic extremism is emerging as a major threat to peace and security in the country, especially in Mindanao, as recently experienced in Marawi City.”
Thus, the need to prevent violent extremism from happening in Negros Occidental, being an island accessible to travelers from Mindanao, is a priority, Maranon said.
He added: “There is a need to prepare for this threat and the proper response in times of crisis to prevent extremism from inflicting excessive damage to our communities.” (PNA)
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