MANILA, Philippines – The Department of National Defense has downplayed the travel warning issued to US citizens by the State Department Wednesday.
DND undersecretary and spokesman Eduardo Batac said the travel warning was a periodic advisory issued by the US and that there were no imminent terror threats as of late.
“The last advisory issued by State Department was in November 2010. They usually issue a new advisory every 6 months so this is part of the advisory of state department. As far as Philippines is concerned there is no imminent threat of terrorist attack,” Batac said.
He said this advisory, which is similar to the one issued in November, warned against travel to Sulu and Mindanao and kidnap-for- ransom groups.
“These are similar situations that happened in past… It talks of the same threats in the past… Our people should already note that these travel advisories are issued periodically. Kung yung contents ng advisory nagkaron ng pagkakaiba, that is time we should be concerned [If the contents of the advisory changed, that is the time we should be concerned],” Batac said.
He added that the travel warning was a reminder for American travelers to be careful especially since the recent killing of US military of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden makes US citizens prime targets for terror attacks of al-Queda affiliated terror groups.
“The advisory is just a reminded that all American citizens especially with death of al-Qaeda leader bin laden to be careful because US citizens will always be target of retaliatory attacks,” Batac said.
He added that the defense department have boosted up its intelligence gathering and monitoring of local terror groups even before the US’ reissuance of its travel advisory.
“Noon pa man [Even before] we have heightened our intelligence activities. We have been monitoring these terror groups. Even the advisory issued by US mentioned increased police activity and military operation against terrorist groups. The advisory of the US State Dept incorporates the heightened activities of visibility and the continued operations of military against the terrorist groups,” the defense spokesman said.
Nevertheless, Batac said that although there were no imminent threats in the country, Filipino citizens should not be complacent and still be on the lookout for possible terror activities.