Salceda: Keep Albay tourists safe

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Albay Gov. Joey Salceda yesterday ordered tourism personnel to closely coordinate with the police and local officials to ensure the safety of tourists, including those who opt to trek to Mayon volcano following the lifting of the climbing ban this summer.

Salceda’s order is apparently a res-ponse to last Saturday’s incident when at least 10 climbers to Malilipot mountain, near Mayon, were harassed and held up by at least 15 ski mask-wearing men brandishing bolos and two .38-caliber pistols.

The climbers were divested of nine cell phones, two lantern lights, and two rechargeable lights, while their tents were destroyed, said Senior Superintendent William Macavinta, Albay police director.

Investigation showed that the incident was an offshoot of a rivalry among groups of tourist guides in Albay.

Albay tourism officer Dorothy Colle said she met with Malilipot Mayor Rolly Bolante who agreed to deploy policemen or barangay tanods in areas which tourists want to visit.