MAMBAJAO, Camiguin (PIA) -- The provincial government of Camiguin is ramping up efforts to ensure peace and security throughout the province as it targets to double tourist arrivals from 250,000 in 2023 to 500,000 in 2024.

Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo emphasized the need for stringent measures to ensure peace and order in the province, addressing concerns about potential disturbances.

"We expect gyud nga musaka, ma-hit gyud nato ang 500,000, of course tungod ana, kailangan gyud nato i-ensure ang ka-peaceful, ka-orderly sa atong probinsya kay kung musikat ang isa ka lugar, basin mahimo nuon siya og target sa mga dili maayo nga elements," the governor said.

[We expect an increase in tourist arrivals and that we will hit our 500,000 target arrivals. With that, we need to ensure a peaceful and orderly province because once an area becomes popular, it becomes a target for bad elements.]

So, in preparation for the upcoming Panaad 2024, the Department of Education (DepEd) regional meet in May, and various festival celebrations, including San Juan, Hibok-Hibok, and Lanzones Festival, the provincial government conducts regular meetings to ensure security, crowd control, and other measures needed to secure the said events.

Romualdo also highlighted the significance of these events in promoting Camiguin as a tourist destination and urged authorities to be vigilant against any potential disruptions.

Fostering a safe, secured province

During the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting on March 12, the Camiguin Provincial Police Office (Cam PPO) reported 23 crimes in the first quarter of 2024, marking a slight increase from 21 in 2023. 

From the said number, there were 11 non-index crimes recorded, with seven cases already solved. The cases include instances of violence against women and children (VAWC), child abuse, malicious mischief, and qualified trespass to dwelling. The police have filed these cases at the prosecutor's office, awaiting the issuance of warrants of arrest.

On anti-illegal drugs, Cam PPO arrested four individuals, seizing 3.201 grams of illegal drugs worth P21,746.80. Additional arrests were made for illegal gambling and illegal logging.

Moreover, Romualdo addressed concerns about the illegal transportation of cigarettes through pump boats and urged the local chief executives of the five towns to designate a single fish landing area. He also emphasized the need to restrict illegal drug users from participating in basketball leagues in the province.

As to threats from rebel groups, Lt. Col. Christian Uy, commanding officer of the Army unit stationed in the province, said they have not monitored the presence of the CPP-NPA in Camiguin. 

While Camiguin was declared insurgency-free in 2015, the military remains vigilant, conducting sustained efforts against any potential resurgence.

"We must remain vigilant, especially sa kasikat na balik sa Camiguin; there are people nga gusto magsinamok [as Camiguin gains popularity, there are people who would want to disturb the province]," Uy added.

To further aid in the promotion of the province as a top tourist destination in the country, Romualdo said Camiguin recently participated in the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin Convention in Berlin, Germany. 

For the first quarter of 2024, the province recorded 80,405 arrivals, which comprised 49.7 percent, or 39,959 local tourists, 5.95 percent, or 4,787 foreign tourists, and 44.35 percent, or 35,659 residents. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)