By Brian Jules Campued
The National Security Council (NSC) on Thursday, Jan. 18, expressed its disagreement with the “basis and scope” of Canada’s travel advisory to some provinces in the Philippines and stressed that the warning does not fully reflect the country’s security landscape.
“The assessment of the security landscape is an ongoing process and efforts are being made to address any challenges that may arise,” National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said in a statement.
The NSC urged the representatives from the Canadian government to engage in a constructive dialogue with Philippine officials to know the security situation in Mindanao.
Such discussions will help ensure that travel advisories accurately reflect the current conditions in the country, according to the agency.
On Jan. 10, Canada issued an advisory warning its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” and avoid all travel to several provinces in Mindanao due to concerns about crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping incidents in the region.
These provinces include:
- 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 recommended to “avoid non-essential travel” to:
- 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
- Davao Oriental
Secretary Año emphasized that the peace situation in the country, particularly in Mindanao, “has greatly improved”, citing the ranking of the Philippines in the Global Terrorism Index which booted the country out of the top ten nations affected by terrorism.
The Philippines ranked 18th in 2023, as well as placed 115th in the Global Peace Index, scoring six points for positive change.
The NSC chair likewise noted that comprehensive measures to enhance peace and security in Mindanao have been implemented such as the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through the Bangsamoro Organic Law, decommissioning efforts of former combatants, and other socioeconomic development and political initiatives.
Additionally, Año noted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has already announced that there are no longer active guerilla fronts in Mindanao as the government forces were able to neutralize a total of 1,399 communist and local terrorist groups nationwide.
He also mentioned that one of the suspects behind the Dec. 3, 2023 bombing of the Mindanao State University gymnasium has been arrested.
“This significant reduction in incidents signifies successful law enforcement operations contributing to a safer and more stable environment in Mindanao,” according to Año.
“We remain committed to the safety and well-being of all visitors, including Canadian nationals, and we are open to working together to address any concerns,” he added. – cf
