PNP committed to protect tourists in Zamboanga

April 25, 2019

Authorities on Wednesday committed to protect tourists in Zamboanga region after President Rodrigo Duterte advised the public to prevent from visiting the area due to terror threats.

In a statement, Zamboanga regional director Police Brigadier General Emmanuel Luis Licup said they are fully committed to ensure protection and safety of all tourists.

"Local police forces in the region assures the visiting local and foreign tourists that they are doing everything to keep the whole Zamboanga Peninsula safe with the help of respective local government units and the Armed Forces of the Philippines counterparts," said Licup.

Licup said police are intensifying its operations against lawless groups in the areas of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga City and Isabela City in Basilan province.

Licup said police have neutralized a total of 79 Abu Sayyaf members since 2016 where four died and 75 arrested during law enforcement operations.

They also recorded significant downtrends of kidnapping incidents where of the 25 kidnapping incidents registered, nine occurred in 2016, three happened in 2017 while 13 took place in 2018. No incident has been reported in 2019.

Meanwhile, at least 22 kidnapped victims were rescued and released while three are still being held in captivity.

Licup said martial law in Mindanao, government offensives against terrorist groups and different target hardening measures have weakened terrorists' bid to engage in kidnapping.

Licup encouraged the public to help local police in fighting against the pro-ISIS groups, including the Abu Sayyaf, by reporting suspicious activity to nearby police stations or military outpost.

He also directed field units to coordinate with the local tourism agency for the security of visitors. Ella Dionisio/DMS