MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang assured Wednesday that the Philippine government is beefing up the country’s security to ensure the safety and security of local and foreign tourists following an updated travel advisory from the US State Department.
The US State Department updated last Tuesday its Nov. 2, 2010 travel advisory on the Philippines, warning Americans against traveling to Sulu and other parts of Mindanao due to possible terrorist activities.
But Malacanang assured that the government is bolstering security measures for local and foreign tourists.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs has noted the update to the travel advisory for its nationals on the Philippines issued by the State Department of the United States. There have been amendments from the previous November
2, 2010 travel advisory indicating that progress in the security situation, and therefore the safety of tourists and visitors, has been observed,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.
“The administration is continuously working to ensure public safety and security in this regard,” he added.
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| foreign tourists following an updated travel advisory from the US State Department |
In a statement, the US Embassy said: “The travel warning for the Philippines in particular is typically updated routinely approximately every six months. The United States Embassy’s first priority is the security and safety of American citizens. On any given day, approximately 400,000 American citizens are in the Philippines. As part of our responsibility to ensure the well-being of our citizens, the Embassy provides updates on security and other considerations that people should be aware of when they travel.’’
Director General Raul M. Bacalzo, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has reassured that security measures are in place in the cities and provinces of the country.
Bacalzo made the assurance as he cited that the PNP and other law enforcement agencies are strictly monitoring the peace and order situation and terror threats in the country.
“The fact is that the threat is only in some few areas in Mindanao. The country is generally or relatively safe with the security measures and police operations implemented in the country,” said the four-star police general.
Bacalzo also reported that crime incidents decreased by 23 percent and carjacking by 56 percent in the first five months of 2011.
The US State Department’s latest travel advisory warned US citizens against traveling to Mindanao due to terrorist attacks and to exercise caution while in the country due to kidnap for ransom threats targeting foreigners, including US citizens.
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