Extra security for Samal Island after Abu Sayyaf kidnap tourists

samal island
Extensive Security Measures to Be Adopted on Samal Island, Davao City – www.plnmedia.com

Resort owners on the Island Garden City of Samal agreed on extra security measures to protect tourists at following recent kidnappings.

Officials of the Armed forces of the Philippines, the Philippines National Police (Davao region) and resort owners of Samal planned to intensify effective security measures to ensure the safety of Samal Island as a whole.

ADVERTISEMENT

A formal assessment was presented during the gathering where officials pinpointed security gaps which facilitated the September 21 kidnapping of three foreign tourists and one Filipina at Oceanview Marina, Igacaos.

Among the discussions that were presented, the inability of the security forces to protect property and life, the failure to observe protocol among security forces, as well as the absence of a command centre.

Military authorities presented comprehensive security plans for resorts on the island in order to enhance the capability of the civilians and government security forces on Samal. The plan is to bridge the gap among various security forces and provide a central command post.

ADVERTISEMENT

Philip Dizon, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Davao City – also owner of Maxima Resort and Crocodile Park in Davao City, expressed his optimism in the plans laid out by military and police officials.

Dizon asked all resort owners on the island of Samal to cooperate with the security forces new measures. He expressed his confidence that tourism will not be deterred by the recent abduction issues on Samal.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) launched a “Visit Samal” campaign aimed to increase the amount of tourists who visit the island destination.

ADVERTISEMENT

Like Us on Facebook