Canada issues travel advisory following Samal Island kidnapping

(Updated 4:30 p.m.) Canada has advised its nationals against travelling in several areas in Mindanao, including Davao provinces, following the kidnapping of two of its citizens and two others from a resort on Samal Island on Monday night.

 

Canada said its nationals should avoid travel to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula and the provinces of Sarangani, Lanao del Norte, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

 

It was, however, specifically noted in the advisory that "urban areas of Davao City" are not included in the travel advisory dated September 22.

 

The Canadian government said travel in areas mentioned should be avoided "due to the serious threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping."

“Several foreigners have been kidnapped in this region. Threats of abduction of, or violence toward, foreigners continue to occur. On September 21, 2015, four people, including two Canadians, were kidnapped on Samal Island, Davao del Norte,” the Canadian advisory said. 

"The Government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance may be limited in this region[s]," it added.

 

On Monday night, at least 20 armed men took two Canadians, a Norwegian and a Filipina from a resort on Samal Island.

 

Authorities have yet to determine which group is behind the kidnapping.

 

Police said the captives have been brought to Davao Oriental.

APEC