Suroy Sugbo - Midwest Adventure Army: Tourists in safe zone

CEBU, Philippines - Assured of a zone that is now neutralized from the influence of alleged insurgents, more than a hundred local and foreign tourists embarked on a journey to the midwest of the province in the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo: Midwest Adventure.

On its first day yesterday, the trip took the participants to the northwestern municipalities of Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Balamban and Toledo City. Today, the journey will continue in the towns of Asturias, Tuburan, and Tabuelan.

According to Provincial Board member Agnes Magpale who chairs the committee on tourism, the Province is very confident in bringing the tourists, which are mostly balikbayans, to the midwest because it is now safe.

“These are the places that are seldom traveled, so a lot are curious to visit them; and also we are now assured that these places are safe,” Magpale said.

The assurance came from Lt. Col. Raymundo Banares, head of the 78th Infantry Battalion based in Balamban, who said that the area is now “neutralized from the combatant members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.”

The midwest was once the seat of the Central Visayas Regional Party Committee of the CPP in the 1980’s and early 90’s, this was learned.

“For now we only have the presence of the legal fronts, but we counter this with constant education and close relationship with the community, particularly the officials of the municipalities down to the sitios and barangays,” Banares said.

In fact, Banares added, 22 rebel returnees are to be presented next week to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, mostly coming from the midwest municipalities and some from Danao City.

For this year alone, the government, police and military efforts were able to bring more than 50 rebels back to the folds of the law.

Participants of the Suroy-Suroy, mostly first timers, were treated to the dances of the festivals of the midwestern towns and a city. This include the Kinsan Festival of Aloguinsan, Pinamuhuan Festival of Pinamungajan, and Hinulawan of Toledo City.

Tourists also enjoyed their gustatory experiences with the array of dishes and delicacies served in each stop. — Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)