NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
PH Challenges Canadian Travel Advisory
FILE
The Philippine government, through National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo M. Año, has issued a statement in response to the recent travel advisory issued by the Canadian government concerning certain provinces in Mindanao.
The advisory, dated January 10, 2024, raised concerns about crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping in specific areas of Mindanao, categorizing them as "avoid all travel" and "avoid non-essential travel." In response, Secretary Año expressed disagreement with the basis and scope of the advisory, emphasizing the significant improvements in peace and security in the region.
Año said that the Philippines, particularly Mindanao, has made substantial progress in addressing the root causes of violence and rebellion. The implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Act, decommissioning efforts, and various socioeconomic and political initiatives have led to a notable reduction in violent incidents.
Año highlighted the improved ranking of the Philippines in the Global Terrorism Index and the Global Peace Index, emphasizing the country's commitment to fostering a safer and more stable environment.
President Rodrigo Duterte's announcement of the absence of active CPP-NPA guerrilla fronts in Mindanao and the neutralization of 1,399 communist and local terrorist groups nationwide were also mentioned in the statement. Año cited the arrest of a suspect related to the Mindanao State University gymnasium bombing in December 2023 as the only major incident in the past few years.
The Philippine government believes that the Canadian advisory does not fully reflect the current situation on the ground. Año invited representatives from the Canadian government to engage in a constructive dialogue with Philippine authorities to gain a better understanding of the security context and nuances. Such discussions, he emphasized, would contribute to ensuring that travel advisories accurately reflect the evolving conditions in the Philippines.
While acknowledging the right of every country to issue travel advisories for the safety of their citizens, Año stressed the importance of a nuanced approach and expressed the Philippine government's commitment to the safety and well-being of all visitors, including Canadian nationals. The statement concluded with an open invitation to collaborate in addressing any concerns through dialogue and cooperation.
The advisory, dated January 10, 2024, raised concerns about crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping in specific areas of Mindanao, categorizing them as "avoid all travel" and "avoid non-essential travel." In response, Secretary Año expressed disagreement with the basis and scope of the advisory, emphasizing the significant improvements in peace and security in the region.
Año said that the Philippines, particularly Mindanao, has made substantial progress in addressing the root causes of violence and rebellion. The implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Act, decommissioning efforts, and various socioeconomic and political initiatives have led to a notable reduction in violent incidents.
Año highlighted the improved ranking of the Philippines in the Global Terrorism Index and the Global Peace Index, emphasizing the country's commitment to fostering a safer and more stable environment.
President Rodrigo Duterte's announcement of the absence of active CPP-NPA guerrilla fronts in Mindanao and the neutralization of 1,399 communist and local terrorist groups nationwide were also mentioned in the statement. Año cited the arrest of a suspect related to the Mindanao State University gymnasium bombing in December 2023 as the only major incident in the past few years.
The Philippine government believes that the Canadian advisory does not fully reflect the current situation on the ground. Año invited representatives from the Canadian government to engage in a constructive dialogue with Philippine authorities to gain a better understanding of the security context and nuances. Such discussions, he emphasized, would contribute to ensuring that travel advisories accurately reflect the evolving conditions in the Philippines.
While acknowledging the right of every country to issue travel advisories for the safety of their citizens, Año stressed the importance of a nuanced approach and expressed the Philippine government's commitment to the safety and well-being of all visitors, including Canadian nationals. The statement concluded with an open invitation to collaborate in addressing any concerns through dialogue and cooperation.
Jan 19, 2024
