Lorenzana says Duterte looking after safety of tourists

April 24, 2019

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said President Rodrigo Duterte is only looking after the safety of tourists when he urged them not to travel to Zamboanga.

"The President’s statement cautioning foreigners from travelling to Zamboanga is his way of looking out for the safety of tourists visiting the Philippines," said Lorenzana.

"While we assure the public that government security forces are always on the alert to prevent and respond to incidents, it is better for everyone to take personal measures to ensure their security," he noted.

"We also encourage the public to work closely with the authorities to make our communities safer for everyone," Lorenzana added.

Duterte raised the violence committed by the Abu Sayyaf against foreigners when he made call for tourists not to travel to Zamboanga.

Duterte made his statement during the 7th Union Asia Pacific Regional Conference in Pasay City on Tuesday. Robina Asido/DMS