Palace laughs off new travel advisory from Canada

The attacks on Basilan province that claimed at least 11 lives last Tuesday have prompted a new travel advisory from Canada, even as Malacañang laughed off such warnings. Canada cited Tuesday’s attack in reiterating its advice to Canadians to avoid all travel especially to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). “Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which includes Basilan, Sulu, Tawi Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Sharif Kabunsuan, as well as the Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga del Sur, Saragani, Lanao del Norte, Davao del Sur (excluding urban areas of Davao City), South Cotabato, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. "Canadians living or visiting the region are advised to review their security situation and to take appropriate precautions, particularly when visiting places frequented by foreigners such as resorts. There is a serious threat of kidnapping against foreigners," it said in its advisory updated Thursday night (Manila time). But presidential adviser on Mindanao Jesus Dureza insisted the bigger part of Mindanao remains peaceful, and dared those behind the advisories to specify areas to avoid. “The bigger part of Mindanao is peaceful, we got many people coming, investments and productive activities," he said in an interview on dwIZ radio. On the other hand, he said he merely laughed when he read the advisories, including a new travel warning from the United States. “Tawa ako kasi (I just laughed because) the day the US advisory came out, their own acting ambassador Leslie Bassett was in Mindanao," he said. Canada’s latest advisory also said continuing reports suggest that there is an ongoing terrorist threat to Westerners and Western interests in the Philippines. Philippine authorities have warned that there may be bomb attacks in Manila and other key cities, it said. “Visitors can expect to be subject to frequent security checks at public and private facilities, including shopping malls and public transportation. Travel at night outside of metropolitan areas should be avoided," it said. Also, it said bombings and crime-related shootings have occurred in Mindanao, Manila and other parts of the country, and explosive devices continue to be discovered by authorities. It said Canadians should be vigilant and comply with all security procedures. On the other hand, Canada noted the Philippines will hold its national elections on May 10, and the security situation remains uncertain and the risk of election related violence exists. “Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and avoid any protests, demonstrations and large gatherings, as the situation could deteriorate rapidly," it said. Canada said bombings in areas like Cotabato, Kidapawan, Zamboanga City, General Santos City, Iligan City, Jolo, Isabela City and Davao City have killed and injured dozens of people. “The threat of terrorist attacks remains high and there is increasing concern over the potential for further terrorist attacks in major centers in the region," it said. — LBG, GMANews.TV