By BEN BALCE,
Associate Editor,
and MARY ANGELICA AMERKHAN,
Correspondent
CAGAYAN de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has publicly condemned the recent travel advisory issued by the United States, which warns Americans against visiting the Philippines due to elevated security risks.
Rodriguez described the advisory as an “unfair, shotgun warning,” emphasizing that many areas in the Philippines, including Cagayan de Oro, remain safe for tourists.
He called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon the US Ambassador to Manila, Mary Kay Carlson, to seek clarification on the advisory.
The lawmaker also urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to direct the DFA, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, and the Department of Tourism to account for their efforts in response to the US State Department’s warning on May 8.
Rodriguez expressed concern that the advisory damages the country’s reputation on the international stage and could adversely impact the tourism industry.
He specifically pointed out that the warning appears biased against Mindanao, a region often mischaracterized in such advisories.
The US travel advisory places the Philippines under “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.” It highlights risks related to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping, with specific areas recommended for caution or avoidance.
Key points from the advisory include: Do Not Travel to: The Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
Marawi City in Mindanao, due to terrorism and civil unrest.
Reconsider Travel to: Other areas of Mindanao, citing crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
The advisory notes that terrorist groups have carried out attacks targeting public spaces such as tourist sites, markets, and government facilities.
It also warns of common violent crimes, protests that may turn violent, and the limited capacity of local authorities to respond.
In addition, the US government advises its employees in the Philippines to obtain special authorization before traveling to certain regions.
While the entire country is classified under Level 2, most of Mindanao (except Davao City, Davao del Norte, Siargao Island, and Dinagat Islands) is under Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”), with Marawi City and Sulu, including the Sulu Sea, under Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) due to the high-security risks and limited US emergency support.
Rodriguez added by urging authorities to address the issue promptly, asserting that the current advisory unfairly casts a shadow over the country’s reputation and tourism prospects.
