Palace assures tourists of safety despite US advisory

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Saturday assured tourists of their safety and security after the US Department of State issued a travel advisory to American citizens just as the Philippine government was unveiling its new global promotional campaign to lure tourists to the country.

“We do everything to secure not just our citizens but also our visitors. There have been incidents in the past and we’d like to think that we’ve learned from those incidents,” said Undersecretary Abigail Valte, President Aquino’s deputy spokesperson.

But the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shrugged off the latest US travel advisory.

“It (travel advisory) provides updates on developments in Mindanao, but is essentially the same as the previous one,” DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez said in a text message to reporters on Friday.

The latest US travel advisory was issued on Jan. 5.

“The Philippine government remains committed to maintaining public security and safety of Filipinos and of any foreign nationals staying in the country,” the DFA said.

‘Terrorist activity’

In its latest travel advisory posted on its website, the US state department said there were “risks of terrorist activity in the Philippines,” particularly in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.

It, however, reminded US citizens “that terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur in any area of the country, including Manila. Public gathering places may be targeted, including (but not limited to) airports, shopping malls, conference centers and other public venues. ”

The travel advisory warned against “regional terrorist groups [that] have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death,” and “sporadic clashes” between the Philippine military and criminal groups in Mindanao’s rural areas.

The Department of State also warned against kidnap-for-ransom gangs who “continue to be active throughout the Philippines and have targeted foreigners, including US citizens.”

“US citizens should exercise caution when traveling in the vicinity of demonstrations, since they can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence,” the advisory said.

“A state of emergency is in effect for the Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces, as well as for Cotabato City in Mindanao,” it added.

The US travel advisory said travelers should expect heightened police activity and a significant military presence in these areas as well as restrictions that Philippine government officials may impose on travel to those areas.

All about timing

The US travel advisory was issued a day before Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez unveiled the government’s tourism program aimed at attracting 4.2 million tourists this year.

“So at this point, what we can say is apart from the areas which we ourselves give warnings for, it’s safe to come to our country,” Valte added over state-run radio station dzRB.

Valte nonetheless mentioned the need for citizens and tourists to fully enjoy the sights and activities that the Philippines has to offer.

“If you also take the general precautions and you do not disregard your safety, there are many beautiful scenery, there are many things to do here in our country. And the truth of the matter is, as the line of the (Department of Tourism) goes, it is more fun in the Philippines,” Valte said.