Travel Warning Issued by 5 Countries
Five countries have recently posted travel advisory warning of NOT visiting the southern part of Negros, including Dumaguete City, on their government websites.
Recent Shooting
After the recent shootings in Negros Occidental and other southern parts of the Negros Island, more tourists are giving travel warnings for other’s safety. The recent ambush was made by the New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas who were suspected to be aiming for a police vehicle. Two tourists, a Swede and a Brazilian, was either in front or behind the police vehicle when the shooting incident happened. They were wounded by the open fire of the guerrillas.
The countries of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have taken their steps given travel warning to their fellow citizens.
Travel Warnings cause of Booking and Tours Cancellations
With the outgoing warnings, more tourists have canceled bookings for their trip in the Southern part of Negros. Tour operators in Manila have reported the number of canceled or shortened trips throughout the Philippines, especially in Negros. Provincial Supervising Tourism Operations Officer Cristine Mansinares has confirmed that the cancellations were immediately made the day after the ambush occurred.
Effects on Buglasan Festival 2017
Provincial Senior Tourism Officer Myla Mae Abellana has recently announced the Growth of Negros Oriental Tourists Arrivals. Being the gateway and the capital of Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City will be experiencing some odd changes. Accommodations like hotels and resorts, however, are on high alert for any coastal threats and activities.
Despite the travel warnings in Negros Occidental, this will not stop the celebration of Buglasan Festival 2017 in Negros Oriental (being a neighboring region).
