'Transport Security and Development go hand-in-hand' - Minister Hermoso

One of the highlights of the BARMM-MinDA joint visit in Sulu was the meeting with the 11th Infantry (Alakdan) Division of the Philippine Army on May 26, 2022 to discuss ways to strengthen security so that socio-economic development in the area would not be adversely affected.

MGEN Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Division Commander, informed the delegation led by MOTC Minister Dickson P. Hermoso and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Mabel Acosta that there had been significant improvement in the security situation in Sulu. He noted that when Covid restrictions on the movement of people eased, the local economy became more vibrant compared to pre-pandemic days because people were now less fearful that extremist violence would erupt.

The different ministries (MTIT, MAFAR, MOST, MSSD, and MOTC) voiced their respective concerns and issues but the over-all tone was optimistic. For one, tourism promotion would be greatly enhanced by the more positive image of Sulu as a safe destination. As Minister Hermoso summed it up – Security, including transport security, goes hand in hand with sustainable development.