Isabela City woos tourists, wants to shed terror lair tag

ISABELA CITY, Philippines  - This island port city is finally shedding its image as a terrorism hotspot as it begins to woo tourists to sample its offerings.

The city, home to a diverse Christian amd Muslim cultures, is now ready to showcase what it can offer to the the world as it culminated its 13th anniversary as the first city of Basilan.

“We have had  enough of negative perceptions and we want to show that we are ready to receive visitors to experience the natural beauty our place has to offer,” said Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar.

Among those the city could offer are  the white sand beaches at Malamawi, an island facing off this port city, falls and the unique culture of Yakans, the peace-loving Muslim tribe in the south, according to Akbar.

The lady executive believed that opening the city to tourism would help them battle the negative perceptions about it.

The city is one of the top producers of copra and raw rubber materials given the vast plantation in the island. Thie island is also known for aqua-marine products.

Akbar said the city has invited artists from Manila  to help them with their tourism bid.

Thousands of locals converged at the town plaza Friday and witnessed the cultural parade presented by the local government and different schools and non-government organizations.

“For many years now, we have been feeling safer despite the rumored threats. We have to stand up now and show we are no longer afraid,” a resident said after joining the parade.

City Police director Superintendent Albert Larubis said the city has been relatively peaceful for the past months.

“There are threats, but we are in pro-active mode to address all these threats,” Larubis said,  citing the series of arrests of suspected Abu Sayyaf members in the city.

During the event, Larubis said they checked all the areas  around the city and nearby towns to  thwart any bomb and terror threats.

Hundreds of policemen and military troops were also scattered  to secure the people and city.

“Yes we are ready to provide security for our tourists who would consider the beautiful place of Isabela City,” Larubis added.   - Roel Pareño