This is the roundup of stories that came out in local publications today, August 31.
Reduced crime rate a boost to tourism industry
THOUGH the Philippines maybe getting mixed reviews on its intensified war on drugs, tourism stakeholders say the reduction of the crime rate will boost the country’s image as a safe destination.
Efren Belarmino of Plantation Bay and Jonathan Aldeguer of the Island Groups say tourists put a premium on safety when they choose their destinations and an intensified campaign by the police force will make the tourists feel secured. However, another industry player says the killings will leave a negative impression on the country.
The fact that crime rate is down by at least 40 percent should be reassuring enough that the Philippines today is becoming safer and safer to visit. Now how the local and international media interprets drug-related killings will be critical. Right now, we are getting mixed reviews abroad. Generally however, I feel that peace and order will be more evident under this administration in the next few months and will surely be a big boost to tourism. Jonathan Jay Aldeguer of the Islands Group.
Somehow, these extrajudicial killings have an impact on international tourism. Killings, no matter how good the intention, always leave a negative impression. Cebu Association Tour Operators president Edilberto Mendoza Jr.
Read: Sun.Star Cebu: Reduced crime rate a big boost to local tourism industry.
BPI apologizes for abrupt, confusing announcement
AN advisory from BPI for its clients to renew their account information drew flak on social media after it resulted to confusion. BPI posted the first notice on August 26, giving clients only until August 31 to update their account and warning them that they will lose access to their ATM and other services. August 26 was a Friday and August 29 was a national holiday, giving clients only two days to update their accounts. In Mandaue City, which had another local holiday on August 30, clients initially had one day only to update their info.
Initially.
Then BPI changed the deadline to September 30 after complaints poured in on social media, then they changed the notice anew, saying only those who were contacted by the bank need to update their info and that 95 percent of their clients need not do so.
We have subsequently received feedback from you and acknowledge that our announcements have raised concerns. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you. BPI in official statement.
Freeman: After stunning customers with announcement, BPI issues apology
Cebu Daily News: BPI issues apology to customers
Bully cop, cousin finally surrender
Days after a video of him bullying a truck driver spread online, PO3 Renato Inato finally surrendered to authorities and apologized to the driver he threatened. Inot, caught on threatening driver Crispen Ricarte, denied he went into hiding despite an earlier announcement from MCPO director Senior Supt. Roberto Alanas that he has ignored calls to return to work.
Sorry lang gyud. Spur of the moment. Daghan ko’g gihunahuna ato. Wa ko motago. Naa lang ko’y personal problem. Naa ko’y giasikaso sa korte sa Bogo. PO3 Renato Into.
Read: Sun.Star Cebu: Mandaue City cop in road rage videos surrenders in Medellin
Other Cebu News.
Sun.Star Cebu: Cops kill father and son in Mandaue drug bust
Sun.Star Cebu: Tomas orders former mayor Rama, 7 others to settle P80.5M disallowance from COA
Sun.Star Cebu: Rookie cop who killed robber receive medal
Sun.Star Cebu: Tomas denies plucking members from rival Team Rama
Sun.Star Cebu: PDEA says addicts are shifting to Nubain as price of shabu skyrockets
Freeman: Talisay, Minglanilla cops nab eight pushers in TokHang
Cebu Daily News: Province sends cops to CPDRC amidst reports of rescue attempt on Barok
Cebu Daily News: Alcover calls former allies Tumulak, Abella traitors for bolting Team Rama
Cebu Daily News: Former cop who owned firearm found in drug bust faces probe
Cebu Daily News: Your move, Tom: Palace delivers on promise to give more guns, cars to Cebu City police
Cebu Business News.
Sun.Star Cebu: Ecotourism theme park in Carmen will be Cebu’s next big attraction
Freeman: It’s still more fun in the Philippines: Tourism stakeholders want DOT to retain branding
Cebu Daily News: Cebu prepares for 2017 Miss Universe hosting
Cebu Sports News.
Freeman: Cesafi suspends three referees for failing to control high school game
Sun.Star Cebu: Olympian Joy to carry torch in Milo Little Olympics
Cebu Daily News: CIT-U guard blasts teammates for ‘star player’ attitude
Cebu Opinion.
Sun.Star Cebu Editorial: Deceitful online campaign only further divides divided country
Freeman Editorial: Filipinos don’t care whether Barangay, SK elections push through or not
Cebu Daily News: Cebu City’s unique garbage solution: sardines