Keep off combat areas in Misor, tourists told

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Emano has stopped all mountaineering activities in the province’s northern towns to ensure the safety of visitors following clashes between government troops and communist rebels.

Emano ordered the provincial tourism office to suspend hiking and climbing activities, especially in the towns of Sugbongcogon, Salay, Binuangan and Kinoguitan. At least two soldiers were killed in the clashes, prompting officials of upland villages to suspend classes in six hinterland communities this week.

According to reports reaching the Department of Tourism in Manila, the directive also covers the rest of the province’s first district, including Gingoog City and the towns of Balingasag, Balingoan, Lagonglong, Magsaysay, Medina and Talisayan.

Aside from mountains and other outdoor spots, the province’s first district is known for its beaches, such as Punta Gorda in Balingasag, Mempepe in Binuangan and Alibuag in Sugbongcogon.

Emano appealed to both the military and New People’s Army (NPA) to spare civilians. He also asked people to stop disseminating false information through social media and text messages to avoid sowing panic among residents.

Clashes between Army soldiers and NPA rebels were reported in Sugbongcogon on Feb. 27 and 28, killing two soldiers and wounding three others.

Rebels had set up a roadblock in Medina last week, prompting military officials to send troops there.

Nicole Managbanag, Misamis Oriental information officer, said the latest fire fight happened on Tuesday, which forced village officials to advise teachers to suspend classes in the villages of Matampa in Salay town; Guinalaban, Membuahan and Ampianga in Sugbongcogon town; and Kitambis and Veldeconcha in Binuangan town. —JIGGER JERUSALEM AND JEROME ANING IN MANILA