HRRAC worried over Cebu security

CEBU, Philippines — While Cebu remains generally safe following the bombing of a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, the province must ensure safety and security to keep visitor arrivals unaffected, an official said yesterday.

Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) president Carlo Suarez said the government must [continue to] to work to contain violence.

“The bombing in Jolo is really a sad event specifically in the religious sector, but the event is isolated in Jolo but the government needs to take extra precautions to contain the violence,” said Suarez, who heads the group of major hospitality players in Cebu.

In an advisory last Sunday, the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) warned its citizens against travelling to parts of Mindanao and the south of Cebu, including the towns of Dalaguete and Badian, “due to the threat of terrorism.”

The FCO cited the twin blasts at a Catholic church in Jolo town in Sulu, which resulted in the death of at least 20 individuals.

The FCO also advised against “all travels to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups.”

The British government body also told its citizens in the Philippines to follow the advisories of local authorities as the 2019 midterm elections near.

While local police here have assured that Cebu remains free from terror threats, Suarez said there should be no room for complacency.

“For Cebu being a top tourist destination, there is no major impact yet, but we need to ensure safety and security at all times,” the HRRAC official said. (FREEMAN)