Malacanang on Australia Travel Advisory to PH, “It’s Generally Safe to Travel in the Philippines”

Australia warned its citizens on Friday, November 3, about a "high threat" of a terror attack in the Philippines, citing that there is an ongoing “high level of crime" in the country including Manila. However, Malacañang immediately responded, and emphasized that it is still generally safe to travel in the Philippines. Read their official statements below.



“There is a high threat of terrorist attack in the Philippines, including Manila. Exercise heightened caution at this time. Be alert to possible threats around locations that have a low level of protective security and places known to be possible terrorist targets.” The Australian government said in a statement posted at their official Foreign Affairs website.

“The level of our advice has not changed. Exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines overall. Higher levels apply in some parts of the country.” It added. It should be noted that the said travel advisory was issued after the Marawi crisis has been resolved. Nevertheless, Australia also issued several reminders to their nationals in the Philippines.

This includes seeking specific advice for the locations they intend to visit; reconsidering their need to travel to eastern Mindanao due to the very high levels of violent crime and the high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping; and not to travel to central and western Mindanao due to the very high threat of kidnapping, terrorist attack, among others.

As a response, Malacañang said that although it understands the concern of the Australian government for the safety of its citizens, the two governments agreed that the said travel advisory is not a response to any specific threat. Instead, it is still the same advisory that Australia has issued during the height of the battle against the Maute group.

"Their general threat assessment has remained the same as it was the height of the Marawi rebellion, which we all know has already been resolved by our government forces." Newly appointed Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement Saturday, noting that there is no change in the travel advisories to the Philippines issued by other countries.



“The Philippine government also has no information about any increased terror threat in the country, and we assure our foreign friends that local authorities have been enforcing tight security measures especially in populated areas… "We reiterate that generally it is safe to work, study, do business, and travel in the Philippines," he added.

Contributed by Salvi Dalida