Sa kabila ng Davao blast, ligtas pa rin ang Pilipinas para sa mga turista at biyahero, ayon kay Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.
“The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the PNP (Philippine National Police) have been on alert for the last few days, and life continues here in the Philippines. It’s still more fun in the Philippines. It’s just one place in the south where it happened,” ayon kay Andanar.
“The country has 7,100 islands and you can choose from other cities, other municipalities and other spots in the Philippines where you can enjoy the beauty of our island,” dagdag pa nito.
Ang pahayag ni Andanar ay bunsod ng travel warnings na inisyu ng United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia at Singapore sa kanilang citizens matapos ang pagsabog sa Davao City noong Biyernes ng gabi.
“It’s really up to the traveler where he wants to visit the country. We can assure that they are safe,” ayon naman kay Andanar.
Sa panig ni Tourism Sec. Wanda Teo, nanawagan ito sa publiko na magtiwala sa mga awtoridad.
Naniniwala si Teo na isolated case lamang ang nangyari sa Davao, at umaasa ito na hindi maaapektuhan ang Miss Universe sa sunod na taon.
Hinggil naman sa ‘state of lawlessness’ na idineklara ni Pangulong Duterte, sinabi ni Andanar na hindi pinipigil ang civil rights ng taumbayan.
“Our country is a democracy, we have 104 million people. We are not preventing the public to travel,” ani Andanar.
“Just continue with your lives. Do not be afraid but be alert,” dagdag pa nito. (Genalyn Kabiling at Beth Camia)