Sulu governor pushes tourism as peace prevails over province

PATIKUL, Sulu – Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II has dangled the province’s tourism potentials with the stable peace and order situation now prevailing over the island-province.

Tan emphasized that Sulu’s transformation from decades of insurgency into a period of calm has opened new opportunities for tourism.

READ: Information caravan brings gov’t agencies closer to Sulu communities

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He declared the province “open for tourists,” inviting visitors to experience its natural beauty and cultural heritage firsthand.

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“We are inviting everyone to come and witness what we have — the hidden beauty of our province,” he said, pointing to pristine beaches, rich traditions, and resilient communities long overshadowed by conflict.

Despite the progress, Tan lamented the lack of regular commercial flights to Jolo, saying this hampers tourism and commerce. 

He recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in February 2026 to assist, but no action had been taken so far.

“Our request is simple — just one flight a week from Cebu Pacific and one from Philippine Airlines,” Tan said. “If passenger demand grows, airlines will naturally add more flights. This is not a heavy request, but it is crucial for our province.”

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He said the issue has stalled Regional Development Council (RDC) meetings, as discussions on billion-peso programs would be futile without basic connectivity.

“This is a yes-or-no matter. If airlines agree, we can start. If not, we must explore other options,” Tan said, citing past interest from smaller carriers like Platinum Air.

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Tan stressed that improved connectivity would revive commerce, boost tourism, and create jobs — steering communities away from violence.

“In a province that suffered more than 50 years of insurgency, we are now beginning to rise again,” he said. “With flights bringing in visitors, our people will have livelihoods. When people have work and income, they do not think of violence. There is no wealthy man who turns to crime.”

He called on law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant even as crime incidents in the province have significantly declined, stressing that complacency could undermine the fragile peace that the province has worked hard to achieve.

“The quieter a place becomes, the more we must guard it,” Tan said, warning that criminals may exploit relaxed police presence.

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“We have just emerged from years of conflict. We cannot afford to be negligent. The challenge now is not only achieving peace but sustaining it,” he added.