MANILA, Philippines - The United States embassy in Manila yesterday issued a travel advisory warning its citizens against going to Mindanao and other parts of Southern Philippines, a day after the reported kidnapping of a Filipino-Swiss businessman in Zamboanga.
In a “warden message” to its nationals, the US government also cited the possibility of “sporadic violence throughout the country in view of the upcoming May 10 polls.”
“The State Department warns US citizens of the risks of travel to the southern, central and western portions of the Philippine islands of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago, and urges extreme caution if traveling there. Sporadic violence throughout the Philippines is also possible before and after the May 10 national and local elections and the June 30 inauguration,” the travel advisory said.
The advisory was the latest issued by the embassy since the last one on Sept. 17 last year due to terrorist and insurgent activities in the country.
“Regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death. Kidnap-for-ransom gangs are active throughout the Philippines and have targeted foreigners. US government employees must seek special permission for travel to Mindanao or the Sulu archipelago. Travelers to these areas should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas. Some foreigners who reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago should hire their own security,” the advisory read.
The US embassy raised the fact that the Arroyo administration had declared a state of emergency last Nov. 24 for the two provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, as well as Cotabato City, because of election-related violence.
Meanwhile, Malacañang downplayed yesterday the latest US State Department travel advisory, saying it was understandable for foreign governments to issue such advisories for the security of their citizens.
Deputy presidential spokesman and Press Undersecretary Rogelio Peyuan said the Philippines also issued similar travel advisories when the situation warrants.
“We cannot of course prevent them from doing this from time to time (when) elections are held. I suppose this is not only true in the Philippines but they’re doing this all over the world and as always, it is for the best interest of their nationals,” Peyuan said. – With Paolo Romero and Alexis Romero