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Friday, January 13, 2006
Davao almost 100% secure for tourism forum: Mayor
By Ben O. Tesiorna and Barbara Carla R. Quiero
DAVAO CITY -- Davao City is almost 100 percent secured from possible terror attacks during the Asean Tourism Forum (ATF), which will formally start on Monday, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said.
"So far so near but so good. I do not see any major problem. The place is almost 100 percent secured," Duterte said in a meeting with the ATF local host council Wednesday.
The mayor said he ordered the arrest of six foreigners on suspicion of planning to sow terror in the city during the ATF.
He added though that he released four of them after they satisfied him with their explanation.
He said the two are still undergoing tactical interrogation on a boat off Davao Gulf.
"If I find something bad about them the sharks are ready for them," Duterte said.
The mayor said they are still monitoring two more suspects outside the city.
Delegates of the tourism forum will be arriving Friday and Duterte welcome all delegates and enjoins them to enjoy the beautiful spots the city has to offer.
Art Boncato of the Davao Host Council said some delegates from various government agencies have already arrived Thursday.
The holding of the forum is expected to gather 2,500 foreign and national delegates.
He said the delegates will go directly to Pearl Farm Resort.
The three days of the forum will be spent on a meeting at the resort attended by delegates of the Asean Tourism Task Force.
He said 10 ministers of the ATF will arrive between January 14-15, including those from China, Japan and South Korea.
"While on January 15, those who will participate in the booth will also arrive," Boncato added.
In the Travel Exchange (Travex) there will be booths set up at the NCCC Exhibition Center.
However, he said, it will still be on January 17 that the delegates of both the private and government sector will meet in the opening ceremony at the Central Bank of the Philippines and The Venue.
No sex tourism
Prostitution in tourism has definitely no place in Davao City during the Asean Tourism, Boncato said.
Boncato reacted to statement of militant groups that prostitution is always a partner of tourism.
"Exactly that (prostitution) we don't want and accept in our destination," Boncato said during the weekly I-speak forum Thursday.
Boncato said Davao City, as a destination, can choose what market it can allow to enter and that would exclude flesh trade.
"There will never be such opportunity to accept this kind of market," Boncato said.
Boncato has published 5,000 Madayaw magazine showing faces of children in the front page to project Davao City as a wholesome city for families.
Patmei Ruivivar, Chief of Staff of City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said the mayor has always been open in saying that he wants tourists to respect the rights of children and the Dabawenyos as a whole. Criminals also have no place in the city. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
(January 13, 2006 issue)
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