Canadians planning to visit or are already in the Philippines are urged to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to southern parts of the country amid incidents of crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping.
In an advisory dated January 10, the Canadian government asked its citizens to “avoid all travel” in the following Mindanao provinces: 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, and Zamboanga Sibugay.
This means Canadians are prohibited from visiting these places as their personal safety and security are at great risk. Citizens who are already in these areas were advised to leave.
Meanwhile, Canadians are also told to “avoid non-essential travel” to the following: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte (excluding Siargao Island), Surigao del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur (excluding Davao City), Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
This category means Canadians’ safety and security could be at risk. They should think about their need to travel to these areas, based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors.
The advisory stressed that “extremists have been active in the southern Philippines for several years.” It also stated that “there is a serious threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and piracy in the Sulu archipelago, including in the waters south of the island of Palawan.”
The Canadian government also said “there’s a risk in Mindanao island of terrorist attacks and kidnappings,” especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Reion in Muslim Mindanao, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Zamboanga Peninsula.
It also mentioned that “bombs causing deaths, injuries, and property destruction have exploded in public areas of major centres” in the cities of Cotabato, General Santos, Isabela, Kidapawan, and Zamboanga.
“Clashes may occur between insurgent groups and security forces,” the advisory noted.
“There’s a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Government of Canada’s ability to provide consular assistance is limited if you get stranded in this area,” it added.
The Canadian government urged its citizens “(to) remain indoors as much as possible; be aware of your surroundings at all times avoid crowded places; always travel with identification; expect an increased security presence in public areas, especially around malls and transportation hubs; stop at security checkpoints; monitor local media; (and) follow the advice and instructions of local authorities,” should they choose to travel despite the advisory.