‘Despite kidnaps, foreigners safe here’

Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople assured foreign nationals in the country yesterday that they are safe even with the rising incidence of kidnappings in Metro Manila over the past few weeks.

Ople said the government is doing all it can to protect foreign nationals "pursuant to international law standards in the treatment of aliens."

"The Philippine government has given the fight against crime and lawlessness the highest priority. We are directing government resources and mobilizing communities to help make the Philippines a safer place for both Filipinos and foreign nationals," he said in a statement.

Ople added that he is assuring "governments of countries who have nationals in the Philippines that fighting crime is something that we take very seriously."

A number of foreign governments have either reissued or maintained their travel warnings against the Philippines, citing threats of terrorism and kidnapping in Mindanao and Metro Manila.

Canada, in its latest travel advisory, placed particular emphasis on kidnappings in Mindanao and Metro Manila. It also cautioned against bombings in the two areas and "other areas where insurgent groups are active."

"Canadians traveling throughout the Philippines should be vigilant and maintain a high level of security awareness due to the continuous threat of kidnappings, bombings and other violent incidents," the advisory read.

The Canadian government also warned its nationals that "some gangs have used extreme violence and have targeted business individuals and visitors throughout the Philippines, including Metro Manila and Makati, the business and entertainment district."

New Zealand has maintained the travel advisory it issued last Oct. 20, wherein it advised its citizens against all tourist and non-essential travel to the Philippines.

"There is a heightened security risk in the Philippines. There are reports that terrorist elements in the region may be planning attacks. New Zealanders traveling throughout the Philippines, including Manila, should exercise extreme caution and be alert to the dangers of kidnapping," the advisory read.

The United Kingdom recently reissued its warning against travel to the Philippines while Australia maintains a similar advisory.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has protested the travel warnings issued by these countries, saying that the Philippine government is doing its best to protect foreign nationals.

Ople said the DFA continues to coordinate with police and security agencies "to ensure our compliance with our treaty obligations in relation to the safety of foreign nationals. We are committed to observing our obligations under international law, just as we expect other countries to do likewise."