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[av_heading heading=’‘BAD FOR TOURISM’ Reds scare tourists, says Maasin mayor ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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Friday, December 1, 2017
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ILOILO – Rebel offensives in Maasin, Iloilo are driving visitors away and hurting the municipality’s tourism industry, according to Mayor Mariano Malones.
Three inland resorts reported cancellation of bookings days following the ambush on policemen in Barangay Bolo on Nov. 24.
The municipality’s Children Festival slated on Nov. 25 was cancelled due to security concerns, said Malones.
The ambush killed one police officer and wounded 12 others. They all belonged to the Police Regional Office 6’s Regional Mobile Force Battalion.
Even the medical mission scheduled this week was postponed, said Malones.
The mayor, however, did not say if the annual Tultugan Festival of Maasin held every fourth week of December would also be cancelled.
The festival celebrates Maasin’s culture and history as seen through its thriving bamboo industry. “Tultugan” is an indigenous bamboo drum.
Malones said he wanted to enlist barangay officials in addressing the town’s insurgency problem.
A day after the ambush, Malones and the staff of Maasin’s Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office went to Barangay Bolo and checked the situation of residents.
“They were very scared. I hope there will be no more ambushes in Maasin,” said Malones.
Just this Nov. 12, New People’s Army (NPA) rebels fired at a detachment of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office’s 3rd Maneuver Platoon, also in Barangay Bolo.
On June 18, the rebels stormed the municipal police station, immobilized nine officers and took away guns and communications equipment.
Malones said he sought the help of the Philippine Army and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency to keep Maasin secure.
“Our town had been declared drug-free. Perhaps it could also be declared insurgency-free,” said Malones.
Maasin has 50 barangays. There have been sightings of rebels in six remote villages – Trangka, Dagami, Bolo, Linab, Abay, and Punong.
The third-class municipality in Iloilo’s 3rd District is some 25 kilometers northwest of Iloilo City.
Right after the June 18 police station raid, curfew was imposed in Maasin from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. But it was lifted on June 20 after questions were raised on its legality.
Malones dismissed insinuations that some residents may have colluded with the rebels. He blamed police intelligence failure for the raid.
He also rejected the rebels’ claim that Maasin policemen were tolerating illegal gambling and illegal drugs, and denied being an illegal drugs protector.
“I challenge the NPA to present evidence,” said Malones.
Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte accused Malones of being an illegal drugs coddler. The mayor denied this.
No drug-related charges have been filed against Malones.
“Maasin is a peaceful town. This may have led to the police’s complacency,” said Malones./PN
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