Canada’s Mindanao travel advisory not reflective of actual situation – Año

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año (FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — Canada’s travel advisory against several regions in Mindanao “does not fully reflect the current situation on the ground,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said on Thursday.

“We emphasize that the peace situation in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, has greatly improved,” Año said in a statement.

“While we respect the right of every country to issue travel advisories based on the safety of their citizens, we believe that a more nuanced approach will be beneficial,” he added.

Año was reacting to the Canadian government’s travel advisory against several Mindanao provinces last January 10, urging its citizens to “avoid all travel” in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao (BARRM), Soccsksargen, and Zamboanga Peninsula.

Canadian travelers were likewise urged to “avoid non-essential travel” in Caraga and Davao Region.

Marawi bombing

In its Twitter page, the Government of Canada recently said they adjusted the travel advice for the Philippines due to a bombing in Mindanao State University in Marawi City.

Año, however, noted that the government already arrested one of the suspects in the MSU bombing, saying it is the “only major incident in the past few years.”

 Four people died and 50 others were wounded after a bomb exploded inside the gymnasium of the MSU during the celebration of a Catholic mass on Dec. 3.

Insurgency

Año also noted that the violent incidents in Mindanao have “significantly reduced” due to the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Act, creating the BARRM which led to the decommissioning of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters, among other efforts.

 The official also noted that the President declared that there are no active New People’s Army guerrilla fronts nationwide.

Dialogue 

Año called for a dialogue with Canadian officials in the Philippines for them “to better understand the context and nuances of the security situation.”

“We believe that the Canadian government’s advisory does not fully reflect the current situation on the ground,” Año said.

“Such discussions will help ensure that travel advisories accurately reflect the current conditions of the Philippines,” he added.