Jolo blast won’t significantly affect PH tourism: Palace

Panelo said the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte will continue delivering its services despite the twin explosions in a Roman Catholic cathedral that killed 20 people and wounded 112 others. (File Photo: Office of the Presidential Spokesperson/Facebook)

MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday said the recent bombing in Jolo, Sulu won’t significantly affect the country’s tourism.

“In relation to the Philippines, maliit yun. So kung ang mga tourists mo gustong pumunta sa Maynila, sa Cebu, sa Davao, malayo naman dun sa Jolo, pupunta pa rin yang mga yan. Yung tourism percentage natin lumaki (it has small impact. If tourists would like to go to Manila, Cebu, or Davao, which are far from Jolo, then they will still come. Our tourism percentage grew),” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Panelo said the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte will continue delivering its services despite the twin explosions in a Roman Catholic cathedral that killed 20 people and wounded 112 others.

“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,” he said.

Panelo downplayed the United Kingdom’s issuance of a travel warning advisory following the deadly bombing.

“That’s a natural reaction from all governments pag merong mga panganib, tayo ganun din (if there is danger, we also do the same). But it doesn’t mean na di nila pinapapunta (they’re being discouraged to go here), they’re just cautioning them,” he said.

He said the Palace welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin and other countries’ commitment to fight terrorism.

“We welcome all of them. Terrorism is a worldwide problem. Hence all the countries of the world must unite and help each other in fighting it and stopping it,” he said.

Aside from Russia, the Chinese and French governments renewed their commitment to support and step up engagement with the Philippines in fighting violent extremism and terrorism.

Duterte on Monday ordered the military to intensify their offensives against extremist group Abu Sayyaf tagged by the military and police as the one behind the twin blasts.