Philippines' Mindanao Lawmaker Calls for Clarification on US Travel Advisory

Strategic Insights -

Reelected Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has expressed concern over the US State Department's travel advisory warning Americans of supposedly increased risk to their safety in the Philippines. Rodriguez believes the advisory was unfair and biased against Mindanao, discouraging tourists and placing the country in a bad light before the international community. He has called for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon the US envoy to Manila to explain the advisory, urging President Marcos to ask the DFA, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, and the Department of Tourism to review the advisory.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has called for the DFA to summon the US envoy to explain the travel advisory warning Americans of increased risk to their safety in the Philippines.
  • The US State Department's May 8 travel advisory placed the Philippines under 'Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution' and advised against traveling to certain areas of Mindanao due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
  • Mindanao (except Davao City, Davao del Norte, Siargao Island, and Dinagat Islands) was placed under Level 3 'Reconsider Travel', while Marawi City and Sulu, including Sulu Sea, were under Level 4 'Do Not Travel'.
  • The advisory stated that terrorist and armed groups in the Sulu archipelago and the Sulu Sea have historically engaged in kidnappings for ransom, and civilians face the risk of death or injury from ongoing clashes in Marawi City.
  • Rep. Rodriguez believes the advisory was unfair, biased against Mindanao, and would hurt the country's tourism sector.
  • He has urged President Marcos to ask the DFA, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, and the Department of Tourism to review the advisory.

Statistics:

  • May 8: The US State Department issued a travel advisory warning Americans of increased risk to their safety in the Philippines.
  • Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution: The Philippines was placed under this category due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
  • Level 3: Reconsider Travel: Mindanao (except Davao City, Davao del Norte, Siargao Island, and Dinagat Islands) was placed under this category.
  • Level 4: Do Not Travel: Marawi City and Sulu, including Sulu Sea, were placed under this category.

Sources:

  • Rodriguez, R. (2023, May 8). Lawmaker Urges Review of US Travel Advisory for Philippines. The Philippine Star.
  • US State Department. (2023, May 8). Travel Advisory: Philippines.