Tight security as Dos Palmas resort reopens

Terrorism must not be allowed to ruin one's dreams, said the general manager of Dos Palmas Arreceffi Island resort in Palawan, during the resort's reopening on March 8, nearly 10 months after the Abu Sayyaf raided the tourist hideaway and took 20 of its guests and staff hostage.

Ivan Spencer Lim is optimistic that the resort will bounce back "stronger than before". The hotel complex was closed for six months after the extremist raid. Its reopening signals an increase in tourist arrivals in the city and in Palawan, an eastern province known for its well-preserved ecosystem, clear water and white sandy beaches.

According to Lim, the high-end resort already has 40 per cent of its rooms booked for the coming long holiday.

Tourism Secretary, Richard Gordon, who graced the island resort's reopening, said he never believed that Dos Palmas would not be able to bounce back after the Abu Sayyaf raid.

He cited the case of the Sipadan Island in Malaysia that had experienced a similar hostage-taking incident. "It (Sipadan) also closed for six months and when it reopened, tourists came like nothing happened," he said.

Gordon stressed that what the tourism industry should show now is an assurance that tourists are secure. Western Command chief Maj. Gen. Manuel Carranza said security has been tightened through-out the island. The resort guards have undergone paramilitary training.

"The guards are not there only for show. They are armed and dangerous to the enemies," said Carranza. "The incident last year taught everyone not to be complacent anymore."

Carranza explained that rules of engagement have been set to confront unwanted visitors. These rules will also be followed in other resorts.

No vessel can approach or dock, especially at night, without clearance from the military Western Command (Wescom). Townships across the island have also established communication links with Wescom and every resort.

Especially trained individuals have been designated by the city government to become tourist police.