NSC disagrees with ‘basis, scope’ of Canada’s warning against traveling to Mindanao

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18) — The National Security Council on Thursday said it disagrees with the “basis and scope” of Canada’s warning from traveling to Mindanao and urged its officials to engage in a constructive dialogue with the Philippine government to know the security situation in the area.

“Such discussions will help ensure that travel advisories accurately reflect the current conditions in the Philippines,” National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.

Issued on Jan. 10, the advisory raised concerns over threats to security present in Mindanao such as crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.

It advised Canadians to “avoid all travel” in the following areas:

-Basilan

-Sulu

-Tawi-Tawi

-Lanao del Sur

-Maguindanao

-Bukidnon

-Camiguin

-Lanao del Norte

-Misamis Occidental

-Misamis Oriental

-Cotabato

-Sarangani

-South Cotabato

-Sultan Kudarat

-Zamboanga del Norte

-Zamboanga del Sur

-Zamboanga Sibugay

It also said Canadians should “avoid non-essential travel” to the majority of the Caraga Region and Davao Region.

Citing the country’s drop in ranking in the Global Terrorism Index from 10th to 18th spot in 2023 and gaining 6 points for positive changes in the Global Peace Index in the same year, Año said Canada’s travel advisory does not “fully reflect the current situation” in Mindanao.

He also noted that one of the suspects behind the bomb attack in December at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City has already been arrested.

“The assessment of the security landscape is an ongoing process and efforts are being made to address any challenges that may arise,” Año said.

“The government has been unrelenting in resolving the root causes of violence and rebellion together with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” he added.