Kusug Tausug Party-list. Shernee Tan-Tambut slammed on Friday, June 3 investigative journalist's Raissa Robles’s recent Twitter post wherein the latter sarcastically said that plans to open up Mindanao to tourism would increase local bandits' prospects for kidnapping.

Robles was apparently reacting to Liloan, Cebu Mayor Christina Frasco's plans to put a spotlight on the country's southern islands once the latter takes over as the Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary in the upcoming Marcos administration.

In an open letter, Tan-Tambut expressed dismay over a particular tweet from Robles on June 2.

"On behalf of the people of Sulu and other Muslim Mindanao provinces alluded to in your sarcastic June 2nd Twitter post, quoted below, 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," the lady solon.

​Robles's tweet read: "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."

"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," Tan-Tambut wrote.

"That is totally untrue. Mindanao is peaceful and progressive and its Muslim provinces are doing their best to contribute to our nation’s growth," she noted.

The Mindanaoan further said she didn't hold Robles's alleged strong opposition to the incoming administration against her, as "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...Please do not spread falsehoods and damage the achievements of the Muslim Mindanao provinces to keep the peace," Tan-Tambut said.

However, her tone softened toward the end of her letter as she invited Robles to Mindanao.

"I would like to give you an opportunity to experience the peacefulness of some southern Mindanao provinces. I am inviting you to Sulu, Tawitawi 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," she said.

Robles, in a tweet Friday afternoon, clarified that it wasn't her intent to hurt Mindanaoans with her previous post.

"I do not wish to offend people residing in Mindanao. But I just want DOT officials to be aware that opening up 'Mindanao' to tourism is something they should cautiously approach. When tourists come to PH (Philippines), we are responsible for their safety," she said.