.jpg) |
| Kusug Tausug Rep. Shernee Tambut |
Robles, who writes for the South China Morning Post and other international newspapers, tweeted on June 2: “Apparently, Frasco would like to open up Mindanao to tourism. I’m sure the extremist Abu Sayyaf and other bandits would be pleased by the prospects of so many potential kidnap victims. Way to go, Frasco. Prep for ransom negotiations…”
Tambut, a native of Sulu province, wrote a lengthy open letter on Friday, and protested Robles’ tweet and called it “sarcastic.”
“On behalf of the people of Sulu and other Muslim Mindanao provinces alluded to in your sarcastic June 2nd Twitter post…on the plan of incoming Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco to open up Mindanao to tourism, I strongly protest the ugly picture you project of Mindanao, particularly its Muslim provinces, as the stronghold of kidnappers and bandits. I am utterly dismayed that a journalist like you, with connections to international papers, would carelessly suggest in a public forum like Twitter that tourists in Mindanao will be sitting ducks for kidnappers and other criminals. That is totally untrue. Mindanao is peaceful and progressive and its Muslim provinces are doing their best to contribute to our nation’s growth,” Tambut said.
“I do not hold it against you that you are strongly opposed to the incoming administration; we are free to side with whoever we believe in. But, as a responsible journalist, you are duty-bound to put fairness and facts before your biases. Your overpowering dislike for the President-elect should not give you a reason to pass unfounded judgment on policies that are yet to be implemented; neither should it give you a license to make false assumptions that mock the efforts of the Muslim Mindanao provinces to maintain peace and stability so that they can draw in investors and tourists. Please do not spread falsehoods and damage the achievements of the Muslim Mindanao provinces to keep the peace,” she added.
Tambut said she would like to give Robles an opportunity to experience the peacefulness of some southern Mindanao provinces by inviting her to visit Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City to see for herself the peace and order situation there.
“I am inviting you to Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga City at any date suitable for you. I will personally accompany you there so you can see for yourself how the people live in peace in these places and how they work hard to earn a living. Should you decide to take up my offer, kindly contact my office in Congress and my staff will promptly relay your message to me,” Tambut said.
 |
| MP Amir Mawallil |
A
Member of Parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Amir Mawallil also
reacted to Robles’ tweet and said: “I hope you find time to visit Mindanao and
see for yourself that it is more than just terrorism, or the Abu Sayyaf Group.
Mindanao is more than all this vitriol. It is a beautiful destination, the
homeland to many peaceful people who will welcome you with gracious kindness.
A
reader of Mawallil’s post, Emy Bahjin-Jalani reacted to Robles’ controversial
tweet and said: “This girl is full of pessimism and evil wishes for her fellow
countrymen while painting a picture of bygone days that her side of the
political spectrum has been so notorious about. We pray for the continuing
peace in Mindanao. We were enjoying the peace and development during PRRD’s
time that we are sure will be pursued by the in-coming administration. Sana
hindi na guluhin ng mga the likes of this girl and their benefactors!”
Robles, a self-proclaimed investigative journalist, wrote the book “Marcos Martial Law: Never Again,” said she has replied to tweets accusing her of being irresponsible about Mindanao being opened up to tourism.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Robles admitted she received a lot of bashing for the tweet she made. “Apparently, a tweet I made on making Mindanao a tourism destination has opened me up for a lot of bashing,” she said and urged those who bashed her to read her post. “Pls read. And if you still don't agree, just block me,” she said. (Mindanao Examiner)
