Canada has updated its travel warnings for the Philippines, easing restrictions for Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental as of May 1. These areas are now considered safer than before, though Canadians are advised to avoid non-essential travel there.
Still, Canada warns against visiting many other regions in the Philippines due to ongoing security threats.
Canada Adjusts Travel Advice for Philippine Safety
On May 1, Canada revised its travel advice for the Philippines, changing its warnings for two regions. Previously, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental were places that Canadians were told to avoid completely.
Now, these provinces have been moved to a less severe category, where people are advised to avoid non-essential travel. This means that while it's not completely safe to go there, the danger has decreased.
Despite these changes, Canada still advises against going to several other areas in the Philippines.
According to Travel and Tour World, places like Basilan, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Misamis Occidental, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and the three Zamboanga provinces are still very risky.
The main concerns in these areas are terrorism, kidnappings, high crime rates, and clashes between government forces and insurgent groups.
Moreover, Canadians are urged to rethink travel to other regions including Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and various parts of Davao and Surigao. These places also face threats of kidnappings and crime.
However, Davao City, Siargao Island, and Surigao del Sur are not on the list of places to avoid. This update follows a previous alert from January after a bombing at Mindanao State University on Dec. 3 last year, which killed four people.
Canada continues to monitor the situation closely and updates its travel warnings to ensure the safety of its citizens traveling abroad.
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Travel Advisory for Mindanao Challenged by Local Authorities
Recently, Canada warned its citizens against traveling to several areas in Mindanao, including Northern Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The warning also advised against non-essential travel to the Caraga and Davao regions, citing a bombing at Mindanao State University in Marawi City on Dec. 3, 2023.
However, the Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) argues that this incident was an isolated case and does not reflect the overall safety of the region.
As per GMA News Regional TV, Minda highlighted that Mindanao has a strong growth rate of 7.2 percent and a low average crime rate of 14 percent. They also noted high trust and safety ratings among residents, with 88 percent and 86 percent, respectively.
Dr. Adrian Tamayo, the Public Relations Chief of Minda, explained that according to science, Mindanao is a safe and secure place. The National Security Council, led by Secretary Año, has stated that the situation described in the travel advisory does not accurately reflect the current conditions in Mindanao.
The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines' Southern Mindanao Business Council, led by Chairman Antonio Peralta, also questioned the travel advisory. They expressed concerns that outdated data might have been used, potentially harming Mindanao's investment sector.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
