The provincial government of Davao Oriental, in an official statement, took exception to reports that elements of the rebel New People’s Army attacked or laid siege to the world-famous Aliwagwag Falls in the municipality of Cateel last week.
“To set the records straight, it was not the Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park that was attacked,” the statement circulated to media outlets explained. “The target of the rebel attack was a group of government troops stationed (a distance) away from the park.”
“The rebels did not attack the Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park which is always teeming with hundreds of tourists daily, both local and foreign. However, the military, who are our most indispensable partners in our efforts to win the peace, have succeeded in thwarting the rebel attack on their forces that resulted in casualties on the rebel side,” the statement added.
In Davao City, Capt. Ryan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division told the PNP-AFP press con on Wednesday the skirmish between the NPAs and a detachment of army troops occurred some 300 meters away from tourist spot itself.
Previous reports said the NPAs incurred one casualty in the attack while the army unit was virtually unscathed.
“Tourists can now visit unmolested the Aliwagwag Falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental.
He said the military has reinforced its men after to discourage a repeat of the attack from the NPAs.
“The advisory as of today is that tourists can go visit the place,” he said. “It has been fully secured to ensure nothing untoward happens to visitors.”
He said he was issuing the clarification in the light of a clarification issued by the provincial government.
The provincial government said it was issuing the clarification to correct the reports regarding the province’ top tourism attraction. “Such reports on Aliwagwag Falls Eco Park, if not corrected, could potentially deal a big blow to the province’s tourism image,” it added.
