DoT keeps tourist target amid Duterte’s martial law

THE Department of Tourism (DoT) is keeping its tourist arrival target this year despite visitors canceling trips here following President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s martial law proclamation.

In a phone interview last week, Tourism Assistant Secretary Frederick M. Alegre said the DoT will “maintain” its seven million visitor arrival target this year because the crisis in Mindanao, particularly in Marawi City, where troops are battling militants, “is a temporary situation.”

“The bulk naman of our arrivals is Visayas and Luzon,” Mr. Alegre said, adding that the department has expressed the hope that the duration and regions covered by the martial law declaration would not be extended.

“Well, based on what we have seen from the President, he already said that number one: it will not extend to Visayas.... So based on what we’re seeing now, ...we’re confident that it will not be extended,” he said.

“We’re also confident that... peace and order and security is tight, it will encourage tourists to go to Mindanao,” he added.

Mr. Duterte signed Proclamation No. 216 placing Mindanao under martial law following attacks on May 23 by pro-Islamic State (IS) Maute bandits at the predominantly Muslim city of Marawi, provincial capital of Lanao del Sur. The fighting has dragged on for almost a month.

The President also said he might declare martial law nationwide should Islamist extremists infiltrate Luzon and Visayas, as he appealed to Congress to “give him more time” if lawlessness in Mindanao persists after the proclamation reaches the 60-day limit in time for his State of the Nation Address.