FORMER Negros Occidental governor Rafael Coscolluela, tourism and investment consultant, said everyone should be alert and help preempt possible slippage of terroristic violence in Marawi City that has already affected tourism investments.
Coscolluela added that the problem now is the perception that the Marawi siege is giving to the other parts of the world that caused both the local and the foreign tourists to cancel their trips.
Reports that all provinces are on red alert because of the ongoing war in Marawi and the New People’s Army attacks send a bad message to the rest of the world, he said.
Aside from perception, the real problem on peace and order in the country is real that is why initiatives to proceed with the peace negotiations with the rebel groups should continue, Coscolluela further said.
He added that local chief executives should also make initiatives to assure tourists of the security in their respective areas.
