Tourism dep’t assures travelers of safe vacation in Visayas

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is confident that the military and the police are capable of safeguarding foreign and domestic travelers flocking to Central Visayas for the rest of the summer.

Despite the recent travel advisories issued by foreign countries such as the United States, Australia and United Kingdom, the DOT said all travelers could  continue with their plans to visit tourist destinations in the region, as both the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines were securing the region.

“The DOT expresses complete confidence that the AFP and the PNP are on top of the national security situation in Central Visayas. In this connection, we are actively coordinating for updates with our local and national security and law enforcement agencies who are fully capable of putting travelers’ concerns at ease,” the agency said in a statement.

The DOT, however, reminded all tourists to exercise “usual precautions” in their travel.

“Proper authorities have assured that both international and domestic travelers may continue with their travel plans, even as we remind all stakeholders of usual safety precautions that must be routinely observed at all destinations,” it said.

Last week, authorities foiled an apparent attempt by the bandit group Abu Sayyaf to abduct tourists in Inabanga, Bohol. Three soldiers, one policeman and five suspected bandits were killed in the clashes.