Mindanao “Safe Destination” Despite US Travel Advisory

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) backed a lawmaker’s statement questioning the United States’ travel advisory on the Philippines, emphasizing that Mindanao is a safe destination.

The U.S. State Department, in its May 8 travel advisory, placed the entire Philippines under Level 2, where Americans are advised to “exercise increased caution” due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.

However, the same advisory placed most of Mindanao — except Davao City, Davao del Norte, Siargao Island, and Dinagat Islands — under Level 3, urging Americans to reconsider traveling to these areas.

Re-elected Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez called the advisory “unfair.”

“This is an unfair, shotgun warning. There are certainly many places in our country that are safe for tourists. The United States should review this advisory,” Rodriguez said.

“We do not deserve this unfair treatment from our No. 1 ally,” he added.

The Mindanawon lawmaker emphasized that the advisory casts the country in a negative light before the international community.

“It discourages not only Americans but also other foreign tourists from visiting the Philippines. It will surely hurt our tourism sector,” he said.

“It is likewise particularly biased against our beloved island, Mindanao,” the lawmaker added.

Rodriguez urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon U.S. Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson and demand an explanation. 

He also called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to ask the DFA, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, and the DOT to clarify what steps they have taken since the advisory was issued.

The DOT echoed Rodriguez’s sentiments, affirming that the Philippines remains a safe and vibrant destination for travelers.

“The DOT stands united with Congressman Rodriguez and all those who advocate for the dignity and reputation of our country,” it said.

“His support strengthens our resolve to promote a more balanced and truthful narrative of the Philippines—one rooted in warmth, resilience, and the unmatched hospitality of the Filipino people,” the agency added.

To ensure the safety and convenience of both local and foreign visitors, the DOT continues to collaborate with law enforcement agencies through the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) program, which strengthens police presence and preparedness in key destinations.

The department also supports the establishment of tourist courts to provide prompt legal assistance to travelers who encounter difficulties during their stay.

Further boosting confidence in the country’s tourism sector is the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), which features regionally curated tours that highlight cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and community-based attractions.

Launched with the participation of members of the diplomatic corps, the PEP reflects not only the richness of the Philippines’ tourism offerings but also the prevailing peace and order in various parts of the country.

Previously issued travel advisories

In 2024, the Canadian government issued an alert on January 10th, advising travelers not to visit the following Mindanao provinces because of the grave risk of terrorism, kidnapping, high rates of criminal activity, and violent conflicts between rebel groups and security forces:

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) (which includes Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao), Northern Mindanao (which includes Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental), Soccsksargen (which includes Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat), and Zamboanga Peninsula (which includes Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay) are the Mindanao provinces listed in the advisory.

On the other hand, the recommendation also advised travelers to stay away from non-essential travel to the following destinations in Eastern Mindanao: Caraga (Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte, except Siargao Island).

Its neighboring areas and regions in Eastern Mindanao were also included, only excluding Davao City from the negative advisory, prompting officials and businessmen in the jurisdiction to question the decision.

Contrary to this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan released revised travel advisory safety information for Davao and some parts of Mindanao on December 19, 2024.

In its latest alert level status, Japan downgraded the travel advisory for the Davao Region from “Level 2” to “Level 1”, which means Japanese tourists must “take extra care” when traveling to these places.

Davao Region places downgraded to Level 1 include Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental.

Mai City, Tagum City, Samal City, Davao City, and Digos City have remained at Level 1.

Misamis Oriental and Camiguin have also been downgraded to Level 1 from Level 2, which means Japanese nationals are advised “to refrain from traveling if non-essential or non-urgent.”

Cagayan de Oro City, Jasaan, Villanueva, and Tagoloan have remained at Level 1.

Another place downgraded from Level 2 to Level 1 is the Surigao City.

Meanwhile, the Province of Surigao del Norte has remained at Level 2, and the Siargao Islands has remained at Level 1.

The eastern part of Sarangani Province (Malungon, Alabel, Malapatan, and Glan) was lowered from Level 3, which means “Refrain from Traveling at Anytime” to Level 2.

However, the western part of Sarangani Province (Maitum, Kiamba, and Maasim) has remained at Level 3.

Also remaining at Level 3 are Barmm areas.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian government dismisses any threat to the Philippines, especially in Mindanao. Deddy Faisal Bin Ahmad Salleh, Malaysian Consul General in Davao City, affirmed Malaysia’s lack of negative travel advisories and even encouraged travel to the entire Philippines. RGL