The Provincial Capitol of Sulu province. (PNA file photo)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Senate Committee on Economic Affairs vice chairperson, has advised the public to exercise extreme caution, especially in areas vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
Gatchalian issued the advice as the country is on its way to gradually open domestic tourism amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
In a statement Thursday, Gatchalian said he would visit Sunday Jolo, Sulu, to meet with Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan and Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, to discuss recovery efforts after twin bombings hit Jolo last August 24.
The senator is also set to meet with other officials such as Sulu Vice Gov. Abdusakur Tan II, Jolo Mayor Kerkhar Tan, and Sulu first district Rep. Samier Tan.
Gatchalian said he will extend more than PHP2 million financial assistance to the families of slain and injured victims of the twin bombings.
He said the families of nine uniformed personnel who died in the twin blasts will receive PHP50,000 each, while the family of the six slain civilians will get PHP20,000 each.
A total of 24 injured police officers and soldiers will receive PHP30,000 each as financial assistance, while PHP10,000 will be given to each of the 54 injured civilians, the senator added.
He said the Joint Task Force Sulu will also receive PHP200,000 plus 10,000 face masks.
“The national government should rise to the challenge of helping the province (of Sulu) get back on its feet. Acts of terrorism create uncertainties and scare investors from doing business in the area and the country,” Gatchalian said.
“It is unfortunate that these atrocities are happening while we are slowly but surely opening up our economy amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Jolo, Sulu, and neighboring provinces should further enhance their security situation to support the government’s recovery efforts,” he added.
He said economic development remains the solution to lasting peace in the region. (PNA)
