27/04/2017
PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM BOHOL, PHILIPPINES
This is to inform the General Public that the Province of Bohol, especially the tourism zones, remains to be very peaceful and free from threats coming from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) whose attempt to mount terroristic activities were all aborted by the military and the police with the full cooperation of the various LGUs. Their leader, Muamar Askali alyas Abu Rami, bomb expert Abu Sufyan and six (6) others, including their native guide Joselito Melloria, were killed during encounters with the military before they can do any of their planned moves. Likewise, the other ASG group used a Philippine National Police lady official. Supt. Ma. Cristina Nobleza as their front was also arrested in a checkpoint last April 22, 2017 in Clarin town, adjacent town to Inabanga. It is our responsibility to properly inform you that the area where the ASG attempted to operate (Inabanga) is very far from the "tourism zone" like the beach resorts of Panglao as well as the popular destinations in the Bohol Countryside Tour like the Chocolate Hills in Carmen and the Loboc River Cruise. Inabanga is also far from the Tagbilaran City Airport and Tagbilaran City Wharf. Inabanga and Clarin (as always) mentioned in the news during the past days are 79 kms. from Panglao beach resorts and 45 kms. from the Chocolate Hills.
To further ensure the SAFETY of the traveling public, checkpoints are in the entry/exit points of these "tourism zones." So today, April 25, 2017, the private stakeholders of the Bohol tourism industry and the Provincial Government of Bohol declare Bohol as a TOTALLY SAFE PLACE TO VISIT at any given time. The traditional warm hospitality of the people in Bohol awaits you!
(sgd). GOVERNOR EDGAR CHATTO and ATTY. LUCAS NUNAG
Chairman
Provincial Tourism Council
