US advisory on RP stays

The United States government will not review the travel advisory issued earlier by the US State Department calling on all US nationals to exercise great caution while in the Philippines.

Issued every six months, the travel advisory gives US citizens an assessment of the situation in the country.

The travel advisory dated Oct. 11 stated a number of security-related incidents like kidnapping, bombings and other criminal activities which highlight the danger of travel to the country.

Americans were advised to avoid travel to central, southern and western areas of Mindanao including Zamboanga City, General Santos City, as well as to the islands of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo, Sulu.

The State Department also noted that there are periodic reports of plans for possible terrorist acts aimed at US government facilities or personnel, public and private institutions and transportation carriers.

US Embassy spokeswoman Karen Kelley said the State Department’s announcement, which is very specific and detailed, stands as it is.

Manila asked the US last year to rectify the travel advisory warning Americans of heightened risks in travelling to the Philippines but the US stood pat not to amend or withdraw the travel warning, citing a number of security-related incidents which highlight the danger of travel to the country. - Pia Lee-Brago