Badoc, Ilocos Norte—The 55-year old Australian resort owner who had discovered an ideal surfing area in a privately owned Badoc island along Barangay Pagnasahan in this town has decided to return to Australia after he survived an ambush attempt recently. Freiser Kirwan, along with his wife Celine, residents of Barangay 5-A Pagnasahan, Badoc, Ilocos Norte, were ambushed on July 4 along Barangay Paratong, also in this town, while they were on board their gray Mercedes Benz van. Kirwan suffered two bullet wounds on his left knee and upper right shoulder. Celine, meanwhile, was unhurt. Kirwan was rushed immediately to a clinic in Sinait, Ilocos Sur for medical treatment. In an interview with Celine, she said they have no known enemies with their townmates, except for someone who had been issuing death threats against them. Celine further hinted that the motive of the incident may be attributed to personal greediness over the lot which they bought and where the resort was constructed. After the incident, Kirwan, who had been staying in the province for six years, has said that he would put his share on the Badoc island resort on the block and would rather go back to Australia rather than continuing to invest here after the ambush incident. Kirwan however admitted that he enjoyed his six-year stay in the province for its various scenic spots and beautiful beaches ideal for surfing, scuba diving and other water sports activities. He added that groups of Australian nationals had also been enjoying the amenities of his beach resort, as well as that of other Ilocos Norte beaches. Just the same, he said he still needs to go back to Australia to cool down after the incident but he vowed to return to the country for he would be missing the place. The Kirwans were the first to introduce and offer surfing and scuba diving to tourists visiting their resort. Meanwhile, Ms. Milagros R. Gonzales, senior tourism officer of the Department of Tourism (DOT) sub-office in Laoag City, lamented the possible backlash the ambush attempt would have on the local tourism industry. Gonzales was quick to personally assist the Aussie after the incident. The tourism officer also appealed to all Ilocanos and the local government units to take good care of all tourists, especially those who would want to invest, and are investing, in the province. Leilanie G. Adriano
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