OVER a week after ordering tourists barred from certain areas in Misamis Oriental, the capitol yesterday said its travel ban would remain until the Army certifies that the hotspots are now safe.
Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vincente Emano said this even after the National Police issued a March 9 “safe travel” certification that was sought by the capitol.
The certificate was signed by Senior Supt. Manuel Alvarez, acting police director for Misamis Oriental. It covers tourism destinations in Claveria town and Gingoog City.
But Emano said he was still waiting a similar certification from the Army.
Unless the Army issues the document, the capitol said the “stoppage order” would remain.
Emano said the province is facing security threats posed not only by the New People’s Army but also by the Maute terrorist group based on imtelligence information reaching him.
Emano said the NPA threat is affecting the eastern parts of the province while the Maute group is threatening western areas.
The travel advisory cum stoppage order was questioned by Vice Gov. Jose Mari Peleaz and other members of the provincial board last week who saw it to be damaging on the part of Misamis Oriental, particularly its tourism sector.
But Emano said those who criticized his decision “wala makasabot ngano nag-paggawas ako ug order sa pag-adto sa kabukiran.”
Emano said his move was a precautionary measure.
He added: “Ang ako siguridad ra man, maayo man ang turismo kay mahimo ra man nato ibalik pagpahibalo nga malinawon ang atong probinsiya hilabina kung magpadayon ang peace talk. Apan ang kinabuhi sa turista simbako maigo sa crossfire dili naman gayud mabalik.”
Emano said legislation is a relatively easy task compared to the responsibilities of the local chief executive.
“Usahay sayon lamang paghimo ug balaud pero kon duna nay mahitabo dili man ang bise gobernador ug board members ang pangitaan kon dili ang executive man gyud–mayors, governors, Presidente lakip ang barangay captain,” he said.
Emano however said the criticisms aired in the provincial board showed a “healthy exercise action (sic) on the balance of powers.” (shiela mae butlig)
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