After two days of discussions behind closed doors, delegates here for trade meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) toured the province, unfazed by warnings that several countries earlier issued over reported activities of the bandit Abu Sayyaf group.
First stop for the delegates was the Tarsier Sanctuary in the town of Corella, where they encountered the rare primate up close.
The delegates made a quick stop at the Loboc River, where they experienced the famed Loboc River Cruise, which offers a view of local flora and fauna.
They also saw visited the Loboc Church, among the country’s oldest churches currently undergoing restoration after sustaining damages from the October 2013 Visayas quake.
The last stop for the ASEAN tour was to the world-renowned Chocolate Hills in the town of Carmen.
Local authorities ensured tight security for the delegates during the tour.
Travel agencies earlier reported that tourists cancelled bookings to Bohol in the wake of a firefight between government troops and members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Inabanga less nearly two weeks ago.
The United States, United Kingdom, France and South Korea earlier issued travel warnings covering Central Visayas, including Bohol, citing kidnapping threats by the Abu Sayyaf.
Malacañang on Friday assured tourists that, despite the Inabanga clash, the Philippines “remains a safe place to work, to conduct business, or simply to have fun.”
This story first appeared on ABS-CBN News Online and republished with permission.
