Palace on travel advisories: ‘It’s not new anymore’

PCOO head Martin Andanar KRISTINE ANGELI SABILLO/INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

A Palace official on Sunday said the recent advisories issued by foreign governments to their citizens traveling to or in the Philippines were “something that is not new anymore.”

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said foreign embassies were just doing their jobs in warning their citizens and ensuring their safety.

“It’s like asking what time the sun sets or the sun rises. At ang ating mga embahada na ibang bansa, lalo na Amerika at Australia, Canada, U.K., sila po ay ginagampanan nila ang kanilang trabaho para sa kaligtasan at kapakanan ng kanilang mamamayan na nandito sa Pilipinas o hindi lang sa Pilipinas, sa kanilang mga mamamayan nasa ibang bansa,” Andanar said.

“And, they hold this responsibility dearly as the representatives of their nations and outside of their countries. And I know that for a fact because I once lived in a Commonwealth country like Australia and they really protect their citizens kahit saan man ang citizen nila. And to us, madalas naman silang nagbibigay ng travel advisory. It’s something that is not new anymore,” he added.

Last week, the United States Embassy warned American citizens in the country to avoid going to southern Cebu due to threats of kidnapping. Similar advisories were also issued by Australia and the United Kingdom.

READ: Americans warned: Stay away from south Cebu

Citing a “high threat of terrorist attack and the high level of crime,” the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” in the Philippines.

“Pay close attention to your personal security at all times. Monitor the media and other sources about possible new security risks. Seek specific advice for the locations you intend to visit,” the Australian DFAT said.

“There is a high threat from terrorism, including kidnapping. There has been an increase in kidnapping of foreign nationals since late 2015. It’s likely that terrorist groups continue to plan kidnap operations against western nationals in the region,” the UK advisory read. JE/rga