Palace: Jolo bombing won’t hurt Philippine tourism

In this photo provided by WESMINCOM Armed Forces of the Philippines, a soldier views the site inside a Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, the capital of Sulu province in the southern Philippines after two bombs exploded Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019. The Philippine government says it will “pursue to the ends of the earth the ruthless perpetrators” behind bomb attacks that killed over a dozen people and wounded many more during a Sunday Mass at a cathedral on the restive southern island. (WESMINCOM Armed Forces of the Philippines Via AP)

MANILA, Philippines – The bomb attack  in Jolo, Sulu won’t adversely affect tourism in the Philippines, Malacañang said Tuesday, after the United Kingdom warned its citizens against travelling to parts of Mindanao and the south of Cebu “due to the threat of terrorism.”

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the travel advisory issued by the UK was normal.

“That’s a natural reaction from all governments if there are dangers. We also do that but it doesn’t mean that they will not allow their citizens, they are just cautioning them,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Asked about its implication to our tourism industry, he said it’s effect won’t be significant.

“In relation to the Philippines, that’s little. If tourists want to go to Manila, Cebu or Davao, Sulu is far from these areas. They will still go there. You must remember that our tourism percentage has increased,” he said.

The Palace official added:  “It’s always a concern when there is a deterioration of peace and order in a particular place.”

“But it will not stop us from doing our usual chores as a government – responding to the needs, securing the safety, etcetera,” he said.

Twin explosions jolted the Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu on Sunday, killing at least 20 people and wounding around 100 others last Sunday. / gsg