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Friday, March 12, 2004
Barbers hits travel advisories
SEN. Robert Barbers appealed to the foreign community Thursday not to fall victim to false information regarding the Philippines, as he questioned the travel advisories issued anew by three countries.
According to Barbers, the travel advisories issued by the United States, United Kingdom and Australia have no basis because the Philippines is still considered a very good tourist destination.
He added that the Arroyo administration is doing well in the fight against illegal drugs, terrorism and criminality.
“I hope the international community will not fall victims to false information regarding our country. There are more Southeast Asian countries that are far more dangerous to foreign tourists compared to us,” Barbers said in his statement.
Barbers, who is seeking re-election under the Koalisyon ng Katapatan at Karanasan para sa Kinabukasan or K-4, also said the three countries should exercise prudence in diplomacy.
He reminded them that the Philippines was the first country in Asia to express support to their governments in the fight against terrorism.
“The US, UK and Australian government must support us towards our efforts in our own war against terrorism. They must show to the international community that we have been successful in our efforts to fight terrorism in our country,” Barbers said.
The newest travel warnings were issued following the claims of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) they were responsible for the explosion and fire that gutted the SuperFerry 14 last February.
According to Barbers, it has not been proven yet the ASG was behind the fire that killed more than 20 persons and left more than a hundred missing, therefore the travel advisories are baseless.
He urged the other countries to wait for the result of the investigation before making any judgment.
Barbers said he would urge his colleagues in the Senate to prioritize the anti-terror bill in the next Congress in order to safeguard the country against terrorists. (JPM)
(March 12, 2004 issue)
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