Travel advisories on RP ‘unfortunate’ - military
The Philippine military on Sunday described as “unfortunate" the latest travel advisories issued by Canada and Britain on the country in light of the kidnapping of a Swiss-Filipino businessman in Mindanao.
“It is unfortunate on our part as this may affect our tourism industry. However we cannot blame the British and Canadian governments in wanting to ensure the safety of their citizens," said Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres.
Britain has warned its citizens against traveling to Southwest Mindanao and Sulu, noting that foreigners are often victimized by kidnappers there. Canada, meanwhile, said its citizens should be cautious when traveling to coastal areas and island resorts in the Philippines.
The travel advisories were issued less than a week after Carl Rieth (formerly reported as Charlie Reich), 72, was abducted by men believed to be members of the notorious Abu Sayyaf group in his beach resort in Zamboanga City.
Torres assured that the military is in close coordination with the police and the local Crisis Management Committee “to ensure the safe rescue and recovery of the victim at the soonest possible time."
“We want them [foreigners] assured that we are doing our best to improve the security situation in the country especially in the southern part," he said.
Armed Forces public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos said they have yet to establish contact with Rieth’s kidnappers. - KBK, GMANews.TV
“It is unfortunate on our part as this may affect our tourism industry. However we cannot blame the British and Canadian governments in wanting to ensure the safety of their citizens," said Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres.
Britain has warned its citizens against traveling to Southwest Mindanao and Sulu, noting that foreigners are often victimized by kidnappers there. Canada, meanwhile, said its citizens should be cautious when traveling to coastal areas and island resorts in the Philippines.
The travel advisories were issued less than a week after Carl Rieth (formerly reported as Charlie Reich), 72, was abducted by men believed to be members of the notorious Abu Sayyaf group in his beach resort in Zamboanga City.
Torres assured that the military is in close coordination with the police and the local Crisis Management Committee “to ensure the safe rescue and recovery of the victim at the soonest possible time."
“We want them [foreigners] assured that we are doing our best to improve the security situation in the country especially in the southern part," he said.
Armed Forces public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos said they have yet to establish contact with Rieth’s kidnappers. - KBK, GMANews.TV
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement
