Palace allays fears, says last kidnapping try in Samal was 14 years ago

ABDUCTION ON SAMAL ISLAND Armed men abducted Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall (inset photos), Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and a Filipino woman identified only as Tess on the Island Garden City of Samal, just off Davao City, on Monday night. Photo taken on Sept. 19 shows the Norwegian shipbuilder and caretaker of Oceanview Marina posing beside his newly finished catamaran twin-hull yacht at Barangay Camudmud on Samal Island. INSET PHOTOS COURTESY OF AFP EASTERN MINDANAO COMMAND

Malacañang on Thursday allayed fears that the recent kidnapping of four people on Samal Island would affect the local tourism and economy.

Seemingly saying that it is an isolated case, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told media that the last kidnapping case in Samal was 14 years ago.

“Records show that the last known high-profile criminal incident in this tourist island happened in 2001 when there was a foiled attempt by a group allegedly the Abu Sayyaf – an alleged kidnapping attempt on the part of the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.

He added that the economy is doing well and people should not be alarmed.

“Bahagi rin ng good governance ay ’yung pagkontrol sa kriminalidad at masasabi naman natin na doon sa lugar na pinangyarihan ‘nung high-profile abduction or kidnapping incident ay stable naman ang peace and order condition doon…Kaya nananalig tayo na patuloy ’yung matatag na imahen ng Pilipinas sa global financial and investment community,” he said.

(A part of good governance involves controlling criminality and the place where the high-profile abduction or kidnapping incident happened is known for its stable peace and order condition…So we believe that we will be able to retain the reliable image of the Philippines before the global financial and investment community.)

Two weeks ago, President Benigno Aquino III was in Samal to inspect government infrastructure in support of tourism.

Asked how the security situation changed since then, Coloma merely pointed out that “The Island Garden City of Samal is one of the most popular and favored tourist destinations in the country on account of its scenic location, superior facilities and peaceful environment.”

He said the reason why it was a famous tourist spot was because of it’s not known for “criminal incidents.”

Coloma said law enforcement authorities are doing their best to find and arrest the perpetrators and ensure the safety of their victims’ safety.

He did not say if the notorious bandit group Abu Sayyaf was involved in the kidnapping.

Last Monday, three foreigners and a Filipina were seized from the Holiday Oceanview Marina in Samal.

READ: Canadians abducted in Samal Island

Recent media reports said the four have been brought to the hinterlands of Davao Oriental.

READ: Samal hostages taken to Davao mountains

The incident triggered Canada to issue a travel advisory warning to its nationals against visiting the country due to threats of terrorist attacks and kidnapping.

READ: Canada issues Davao, ARMM travel ban in light of Samal kidnapping

Coloma said every country has the right to issue travel advisories for its citizens.

“Umaasa tayo na mag-i-stabilize naman ‘yung sitwasyon at mapapanumbalik kung anuman ang— mapapawi kung mayroon mang mga agam-agam hinggil diyan,” he added.

(We are hoping the situation will stabilize and things will go back to normal, and for the people not to have doubts.)