AUTHORITIES stepped up security measures in Camiguin, a popular tourist destination in the region, and other northern Mindanao areas as government troops and members of the Abu Sayyaf clashed in Bohol on yesterday.
Supt. Reggie Oñate, Camiguin police deputy provincial director for operations, said the police and the local governments in the island province intensified their security as they closely watched the development in Bohol in anticipation of the possible spill over of the gunfight to the island.
Mambajao Mayor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo said that the local government was monitoring the situation in Bohol. He said tourists visiting the White Island and Mantigue Island–two of the tourist spots in Camiguin–were not evacuated.
The White and Mantigue islands are both facing the southern part of Bohol. Camiguin island is about 182 nautical miles southeast of Bohol island.
Camiguin is four hours away from the southern town of Jagna, Bohol by boat. Jagna is about two hours’ drive from Inabanga, the site of the confrontation.
“It is business as usual,” Romualdo said, referring to the situation in Camiguin, but advised residents and visitors to be on alert and to report to law enforcers any suspicious-looking persons in their vicinity.
Oñate said the violence in Bohol would have no effect on the religious activities in Camiguin, particularly the yearly “Panaad” that is part of the observance of the Holy Week in the province.
Oñate said the island is generally peaceful. (pna)
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