Safety is of prime importance. It is even more compelling to domestic or foreign tourists alike who aren't familiar of the place and are just there either out of curiosity or plain pleasure. To some extent though, fear for one's safety in a given place is real. On the other hand, however, some are mere perception. Logically, therefore, anyone with the right senses will never venture on frolicking along the shorelines in any of the islets in the Sulu Archipelago no matter how tempting the serenity of its beaches may be be-cause of the known and real notoriety of the merciless group of bandit's kidnapping spree.
Unfortunately, no matter how far and isolated Sulu down south may be, the perception that the entire country is a lair of ruthless bandits cannot be avoided. Therefore, the thought that anyone's life can be aborted at the bandit's instance anywhere in the country won't slip a tourist's mind. Thus, for all intents and purposes, the world's positive perception on the country's peace and order situation is one of the prerequisites for the tourism industry to thrive.
The hostage-taking of Hong Kong tourists in Manila perpetrated by a rogue former police officer was a typical example of what perception can do to a country. Absolutely, an isolated case, and is happening way up north, the perception that the entire country isn't safe at all for tourists is currently prevalent.
However, perception is fleeting. It changes as quick and as often as we blink. Truth be told, the country has had harrowing peace and order related experiences in the past. To name a few, we had civil unrest in 1970; people power in 1986; coup plots in 1986 and 1987; Honasan's second coup attempt in 1989; the fall of Pres. Estrada in 2001; May 1 riots in 2001; Oakwood mutiny in 2003; state of emergency in 2006; and the Manila Peninsula rebellion in 2007.
On top of these political wrangling, we have had directly tourism-related fiascos. Notably, the Dos Palmas kidnapping was the worst of all. It was perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf on May 27, 2001. These ruthless bandits abducted twenty (20) hostages from the upscale island resort in Palawan. It resulted in the deaths of five (5) of the original hostages, two of whom were American citizens in Guillermo Sobero and Martin Burnham. Sadly, in trying to rescue the hostages, the Armed Forces of the Philippines lost twenty two (22) of their gallant men.
Then, the USA helped us in whatever way they can to solve the crisis. Though they cautioned their citizens not to visit kidnapping prone areas, they never totally blocked us out in their travel advisory. More importantly, they never blamed Filipinos (who are, obviously, not to be blamed for the incident) who were working in their territory or have kicked them out of their jobs or maltreated them.
Today, Palawan's tourism industry has totally recovered. In fact, compared to the same period last year, Puerto Princesa City registered the highest increase in tourist arri-val with a whooping 35.12% for the first five months of 2010.
What Palawan did is remarkable. What they did is something worth doing to stave-off whatever consequences the unfortunate incident in Manila may bring on our tourism industry.
First, as demanded by the Hong Kong authorities, we should conduct a thorough and speedy investigation of the incident. Definitely, it will appease them. Second, we must assure the world that it won't happen again and that their citizens' safety is our primordial concern. Third, we have to continue to develop more innovative products and services. Fourth, we need to build more infrastructures to make our products or tourist destinations more accessible.
Cebu, for instance, should not make the unfortunate incident in Manila a ready excuse when tourists' numbers plummet. Our regular tourists know where Cebu is. More importantly they know that Manila is several miles, seas and islands away from where we are. Showing to the world that we can ably handle hostage-taking scenarios isn't enough. They all know that situation like this is isolated. What is important is for them to feel that our streets are safe as they promenade.
As we are all aware, our streets are filled with thugs and hoodlums. Take the case of our regular port users. As they disembark from the ship, the feeling of security inside the port is overwhelming. Security guards are so visible and are apparently implementing the rules. As they stepped out of the port, however, the sight is in total contrast. The place is cluttered with men dangling car keys to unsuspecting inbound commuters pretending they are taxi drivers. Once approached, they bring these unsuspecting com-muters to some parked taxis and forcibly demand a sum from them or from the taxi drivers or both. Rushing to get into their hotels or homes or be on their appointments on time, they pay.
The same scenarios abound in our bus terminals as well.Our brothers/sisters "probinsyanos" and tourists alike have been victims of these hoodlums who are bracing against each other in trying to snatch their bags in the guise of assisting them for a seat and forcibly demanding payments later for the alleged services rendered. Fearing for their lives, they give in.
Undeniably, these dispatchers right outside our bus terminals are unforgiving. They prey on both taxi drivers and commuters in every ride they took.
Apparently, these bullying individuals are everywhere. They are plying their trade even in legitimate spaces where unsuspecting motorists pay legitimately. It is common sight that as car owners park their cars in the city designated areas along the streets, not only shall they deal with CITOM personnel for parking fees. As they leave, "watch your car" boys suddenly appear for allegedly watching their cars. They seem to mark cars that don't pay and dent them when the opportunity comes. In trying to avoid cost for repairs, car owners succumb to pressure.
These thugs are bold enough to show their faces. Their hooliganism is done in broad daylight and in total public view. Yet, they continue to thrive and are growing in number day by day.
Before they grow uncontrollable, however, the authorities should realize how worrying their presence has been for us. Definitely, measures can be adopted to eliminate these malpractices.
Yes, more than ever, we truly understand the necessity of promoting our tourism potentials both here and abroad. Apart from the need to inform potential market of our rich cultural heritage, historical sites and serene beaches, ours' and tourists' safety must be given emphasis.
Remember, perceptions are fleeting. We must not forget that like any business, the key to any success is continued patronage. This can only be achieved once we can de-velop a strong customer base that will not only give us repeat businesses but shall tell the world, how clean, safe and enjoyable our island is.
True enough, the hostage-taking is a black-eye but not a knock-out. We just have to prepare for the next round.
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