NegOcc tourism firms urged to be vigilant vs NPA attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): NegOcc tourism firms urged to be vigilant vs NPA attacks

The Negros Occidental Tourism Division urged tourism establishments in the province to be vigilant in terms of security to counter possible adverse effects of rebel atrocities to the industry.

Cristine Mansinares, provincial supervising tourism operations officer, said Friday the latest clash between government forces and suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Cauayan town will “influence” the tourism flow in the area.

Cauayan, along with other localities in southern Negros Occidental, especially Sipalay City, host the province’s major tourist destinations with its beaches and diving spots.

The resorts offer various nature and sports tourism activities like diving, island hopping, and snorkeling, among others, mostly for foreign tourists.

Mansinares said insurgency concerns, if not addressed, may discourage visitors to come to these areas.

“Aside from continuing vigilance, local tourism establishments are also urged to closely coordinate with the barangays and local government units,” Mansinares said.

On Tuesday afternoon, at least 30 members of the rebel group ambushed personnel of Cauayan Municipal Police Station on board a patrol vehicle.

Three civilians were injured after being caught in the crossfire on the road in Barangay Caliling.

The civilian-victims included two tourists, Swedish Karl Christer Arvidson and Brazilian Juliana Palmero, and Filipino driver Jason Tumayao, who were traveling to the neighboring Sipalay City.

Mansinares said security is everybody's concern.

“Apart from our police force, the community, including tourism establishments must be engaged to help in the prevention and detection of further threats that could really impact negatively the industry," she added.

Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier said with the recent clash, the province needed a lot of public relations work to show to the world that Negros Occidental is still a place worth visiting especially for foreigners.

It is very evident and clear that tourism is an avenue that can further contribute to the economy especially amid the pressing challenges hounding the sugar industry, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1012064