DFA: Safety of civilians is top priority in Mindanao

Department of Foreign Affairs building. (File photo from the Philippine Daily Inquirer)

The government will continue to prioritize the safety and welfare of all civilians in Marawi City, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson said on Thursday.

This after the government of several western countries issued warnings to their citizens over possible terrorist attacks in the Philippines particularly the southern part of the Philippines.

READ: Avoid southern Philippines—Western governments

“A top priority of the Philippine government is ensuring the safety and welfare of all civilians in Marawi. Full efforts are being exerted by the Philippines’ Armed Forces and the National Police towards this end,” DFA spokesperson Robespierre Bolivar said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.

“It is understandable that foreign governments would wish to ensure the well-being of their citizens. Any such effort should be done with proper coordination with the relevant Philippine government agencies,” he added.

Travel alerts from Britain, Canada, and Australia released this week warned their citizens to avoid southern Philippines as President Rodrigo Duterte extended martial law in Mindanao.

The Canadian government on Monday warned visiting any part of Mindanao except for Davao, the hometown of Duterte.

“There is a serious risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in this region,” its advisory said. JPV