MARIING kinondena ng Department of Tourism (DOT) ang kumalat na ulat na nagsasabing ang Pilipinas ang “pinaka-hindi ligtas na bansa sa buong mundo,” na anila’y batay sa pekeng datos at maaaring makasira sa lumalakas na turismo ng bansa.

Binanatan ni Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco ang pinagmulan ng umano’y “Safety Index 2025” na nagsabing ang Pilipinas ang nangunguna sa listahan ng mga “pinaka-delikadong lungsod sa mundo.”

“What was presented as an objective safety index was, in fact, built on questionable data, lacking in transparency, and entirely disconnected from realities on the ground,” ani Frasco sa kanyang opisyal na pahayag sa Facebook nitong Hunyo 19.

Dagdag pa ni Frasco, hindi umano malinaw ang metodolohiya ng nasabing ulat at pare-pareho pa ang safety score na ibinigay sa iba’t ibang bansa sa loob lamang ng anim na araw.

“Moreover, a thorough examination of their websites reveals a focus on driving travel insurance sales rather than ensuring accurate safety assessments as it clearly lacked full methodology disclosure or identifiable data sources, reusing the identical score (82.32) for different countries in just 6 days,” ani pa niya.

Pinuna rin ng kalihim ang tila tahimik na pag-edit sa ulat kung saan basta na lang tinanggal ang pangalan ng Pilipinas sa listahan, nang walang paliwanag o pananagutan.

“It simply removed the Philippines in the index narrative – without clarification or accountability,” aniya.

Ayon pa sa DOT, nasira na ang kumpiyansa ng mga banyagang turista at naapektuhan ang mga booking, negosyo at kabuhayan ng milyong Pilipino na umaasa sa turismo.

“The impact of this false narrative is not abstract. It disrupted bookings and businesses. It cast doubt on our destinations. Worse, it harmed the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos who depend on tourism, and entire communities whose economies rise and fall with the confidence of travelers,” dagdag ni Frasco.

Hiniling din ng DOT na agad itama ang mga maling datos at tanggalin ang anumang maling impormasyon laban sa Pilipinas sa lahat ng platform nito, kasabay ng panawagang maging tapat sa pag-uulat.

“Correct all references to the erroneous data against the Philippines across its platforms and to ensure the accuracy and consistency of its reporting tools, including interactive visual assets,” mariing hamon ng kalihim.

Sa kabila ng kontrobersiya, tiniyak ni Frasco na puspusan ang ginagawang hakbang ng mga awtoridad upang tiyaking ligtas, maayos at kaaya-aya ang pananatili ng mga turista sa bansa.

“We fully recognize that the Philippines, like any country, has challenges. We do not deny that. The fact remains that extensive work is being done daily to address those challenges. Across our key and emerging destinations, safety is not taken for granted. It is upheld by trained police personnel, supported by strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies and local governments, and reinforced by the commitment of our tourism workers,” saad niya.

Samantala, mariing kinondena rin ng mga tourism group ang mapanirang ulat.

Ayon kay Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) President Arthur Lopez: “We find the article misleading, unfair, and detrimental to the efforts of the tourism and hospitality industry. We remain fully committed to supporting the Department of Tourism’s mission to promote the Philippines as a safe, vibrant, and enjoyable destination for all and highlight the genuine hospitality, resilience, and professionalism of Filipino tourism workers.”

Ganito rin ang naging tugon ni Maria Paz Alberto ng Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) at Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA).

“This unjust characterization not only misrepresents the realities of travel safety in the Philippines but also undermines the diligent efforts made by local stakeholders to promote tourism in the region. Such misleading narratives can deter prospective visitors, leading to profound and lasting repercussions for businesses reliant on inbound tourism,” aniya.

Ayon pa sa kanila, ang pagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon ay hindi lang sumisira sa reputasyon kundi sa ekonomiya ng bansa.

“We urge all entities involved in travel communication to adhere to responsible reporting practices, ensuring that potential visitors receive an accurate portrayal of the attractions and safety measures that the Philippines has to offer,” dagdag pa nila.

Sumagot rin si Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) President Mariegel Tankiang Manotoc: “As an international platform, we trust that they will take greater care in fact-checking to help ensure fair and balanced reporting. Tourism is an important part of the Philippine economy and supports many livelihoods. Inaccurate information can unintentionally impact ongoing efforts to rebuild and grow the sector.”

“We warmly invite stakeholders to visit and experience the Philippines’ natural beauty, rich culture, and renowned hospitality firsthand,” dagdag pa ni Manotoc.

Giit naman ni Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) President Arjun Shroff, dapat lang umanong panagutin ang mga nagpapakalat ng maling datos.

“Yes, those who send a self-centered message must be, should be corrected,” sagot niya sa naging pahayag ni Secretary Frasco.