Cancellation of trips to PHL due to Marawi crisis a ‘temporary setback’ — DOT

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has assured the private sector that the conflict in Mindanao will not gravely impact the influx of tourists in the country.

"This is just a temporary setback. We express full confidence in our Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police," Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said.

The DOT said Teo made the assurance during a meeting with representatives from the private sector at the department's office on Monday.

The Tourism secretary admitted during the meeting that there have been related trip cancellations.

"Although cancellations have been reported, we want to inform our visitors of the wide selection of alternative destinations in Mindanao and elsewhere in the country," she said during the meeting.

Responding to a number of cancellations of trips and hotel bookings by Korean, Japanese, and Chinese nationals, the DOT said a delegation led by Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. was sent to Seoul, South Korea to allay fears about travelling to the Philippines.

President Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao hours after Maute group members attacks Marawi City on May 23.

After a week of fighting, the death toll has breached the 100 mark. The AFP on Wednesday said that 89 Islamist militants have died in the ongoing military operations.

Among the casualties are 21 security forces and 19 civilians.

Teo, however, expressed confidence that the Mindanao region will recover from the hit it is taking from the Marawi crisis. —ALG, GMA News