Gordon: Shootings may affect Phl tourism

MANILA, Philippines - Former senator Richard Gordon on Tuesday expressed concern that incidents of shootings in the Philippines may adversely affect the promotion of the Philippines as a tourism destination.

 

Gordon, who was a tourism secretary and was behind the "Wow Philippines!" slogan, pointed out that tourists will certainly avoid visiting a country where not only is their safety at risk, but also where its law enforcers and agencies themselves could not even assure their safety.

 

The former senator was referring to the supposed rubout of 13 men, including a suspected jueteng lord and police officials, perpetrated by police operatives.

 

“This is not good because it will instill fear in the mind of the public.  Such a situation does not provide a sense of security. On the contrary, it creates  a climate of fear,” said Gordon, who is also chairman of the Philippine Red Cross.

 

“How are we going to encourage more tourists to visit our country if almost everyday, there is news about a rape-slay case, and now this... No one would go anywhere that is not safe,” he added.

 

Gordon lamented that the kidnap-for-ransom incidents in Mindanao with tourists as victims and the disasters that struck some parts of the country have already prompted several countries to warn their citizens against coming to some areas in the Philippines.

 

“If foreigners feel that they will be placed in danger when traveling to any part of the country, then we can't expect more tourists coming here,” he added.

 

Gordon issued the statement as the Senate was poised to conduct an investigation on the matter. Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr has filed a resolution that will mandate the proper committees to look into circumstances behind the killing of 13 people during an alleged shoot out with authorities recently.