ILIGAN CITY -- Two major tourist spots here have been temporarily closed while the city is celebrating Diyandi Festival.
The famous majestic Maria Cristina Falls in Agus 6 and Nature's Park in Agus 7 hydro electric power plants are closed for viewing since the month of September. Incidentally, the city is celebrating the annual fiesta of St. Michael.
The temporary closure was based on the memorandum which declared full red alert status for all National Power Corporation (NPC) vital facilities and offices to safeguard the lives and government facilities.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police earlier warned of a heightened security status in Northern Mindanao after the bombing incident that hit the Davao City night market.
No visitors and are allowed to view the Maria Cristina Falls and Nature's Park until the memorandum will be lifted.
Lone congressional representative Frederick Siao told Sunstar on Monday, September 26, that the temporary closure was a bad timing since this city is celebrating the month-long celebration of tourism month dubbed as Diyandi Festival.
"Sayang kaayo, dako kaayo og epekto sa tourism industry," said Siao over the phone.
"The NPC management should have employed double security measures rather than temporarily closed the facilities." Siao added.
"We will meet and discuss with the NPC management the possible arrangement we can do specially for the tourists," said Iligan City Councilor Sorilie Christine Bacsarpa, chairperson of Diyandi Festival celebration.
"On our stand, however, if this is the implementation of the national government, we have to follow for the safety of everybody. We also have to know the parameters and limitations. If the NPC will allow tourists to view the facilities definitely there are requirements to comply," said Bacsarpa.
Bacsarpa noted that they have just received the letter and memorandum on Friday, September 23.