Despite travel warnings, Palace says ‘still more fun in PH’

THE HERITAGE VILLAGE in Vigan City remains busy at night as tourists enjoy walking on its cobblestone streets and ride in calesa (horse-drawn carriages) that ply the city famous for its rich culture and Spanish-era mansions. LEONCIO BALBIN JR.

Malacañang on Sunday said it understands the decision of some countries to issue travel advisories to their citizens after the Davao City bombing incident that killed 14 people.

READ: Davao bombing prompts warnings on travel to PH

“It’s normal for these countries to issue their travel warning because it’s their responsibility to their own citizens,” Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.

“But the AFP and the Philippine National Police, they’ve been on alert for the last few days. And life continues here in the Philippines; it’s still more fun here in the Philippines. It’s just one place in the south where it happened,” Andanar said.

The governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Singapore have issued separate travel advisories following the attack.

The US warned its nationals to remain vigilant “and employ sound personal security measures” although there is no direct threat to its citizens.

READ: Foreign gov’ts condemn Davao blast, issue travel advisory

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said UK citizens should cancel all travel plans to Mindanao unless “essential.”

Australia said its citizens should reconsider traveling to eastern Mindanao and “not to travel to central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga peninsula and the Sulu archipelago and in the southern Sulu Sea area, due to the very high threat of kidnapping, terrorist attack, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups.”

Singapore also advised its people to “exercise vigilance and monitor local news.”

Canada, meanwhile, told its citizens not to travel to Mindanao because of serious threats of terrorist attacks and kidnapping.

“We know that it was a terrorist act done exactly to arrest our development here in the south. But, you know, it’s just one. The country has thousand … hundred islands, and you can choose from other cities and other municipalities and other spots in the Philippines where you can enjoy,” Andanar said.

He assured tourists “that they are safe.” JE/rga