'Travel advisory prerogative of Aussie government'

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Arthur Tabaquero yesterday said he respects the travel advisory released by the Australian embassy for their nationals planning to go to Mindanao.

“Of course, it is the prerogative of their government to ensure the safety of their people,” Tabaquero told The STAR.

For his part, Armed Forces spokesman Commodore Miguel Jose Rodriguez said, “That’s a legitimate exercise of protection to their citizens. Being extra careful won’t hurt them.”

Businessmen in Central Mindanao bewailed the travel advisory. “That has a big impact on the business climate in the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao). While there are indeed security problems… most of these concerns exist only in some isolated areas,” said Pete Marquez, a senior officer of the Metro Kutawato Chamber of Commerce.

The Australian embassy has expanded its travel advisory in the South, including areas not in its previous advisories.

“We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao (including the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur) due to the very high levels of violent crime,” the advisory stated.

Australian nationals were also advised not to travel to other parts of Mindanao where there are high threats of terrorist attacks and violent crimes.

These places include Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Cotabato City, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Misamis Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, the Sulu archipelago and surrounding waters.

“We admit there are certain areas that have problems but our troops have always been there to make sure that any attempt to carry out violent crimes shall be thwarted,” Tabaquero said. – With John Unson, Jaime Laude