NATIONAL Geographic magazine has named the Philippines as one of the top 25 destinations in the world for 2010.

Among the top destinations in the Philippines mentioned are the rice terraces of the Cordillera Administrative Region, specifically the rice terraces of Ifugao province.

Governor Teodoro Baguilat Jr. said this is another honor for the province for it would again help promote the hand-carved, centuries-old rice terraces.

He said being named as a top destination, tourists would surely include Ifugao in their list of must-see places to visit. However, Baguilat said he would prefer if all rice terraces of the Cordillera were promoted.

As a mountainous area, there are other rice terraces in the Cordillera other than those found in various municipalities of Ifugao.

Benguet and Mt. Province also have their own rice terraces, which, although not as famous as the Ifugao rice terraces, are also frequented by tourists.

Asked if the recent encounter between the police and rebels would affect the province's peace and order situation, Baguilat admits local officials could not just rest on their laurels.

He said although the town where the encountered occurred is not a tourist destination in the province, Baguilat proposed for a dialogue to end insurgency in some towns.

Baguilat said although the province is relatively peaceful, he said he does not want a repeat of the Julie Campbell incident where a tourist was killed by tour guide in a village in Banaue.

Meanwhile, residents of Barangays Gumhang and Binablayan caught in the encounter between government and rebel forces have been evacuated by police.

The four rebels earlier accosted are now detained at in Kiangan town. No bail was recommended for their temporary liberty.

A press release from the Police Cordillera headquarters in Camp Dangwa, La Trinidad, Benguet showed another group of alleged rebels harmed some residents of sitio Tuking, barangay Numpaling, Asipulo town, last November 15.

The victims were brought to the Ifugao Provincial Hospital for treatment.

Further, investigation is being conducted and police operation is being launched by the Ifugao Police for the apprehension and identification of the suspects, the report stated.

Meanwhile, Regional Director Orlando Pestaño asked the Commission on Human Rights-CAR to conduct parallel investigations concerning reports about alleged human rights violations being done by the rebels on civilians. (Rimaliza Opiña)