Philippine politician slams US travel warning: ‘unfair treatment from our No 1 ally’
The US State Department has advised against all travel to Marawi, with other areas of Mindanao listed as hotspots for crime and civil unrest
“This is an unfair, shotgun warning. There are certainly many places in our country that are safe to tourists,” Philippines House of Representatives member Rufus Rodriguez said on Sunday.
“The United States should review this advisory. We do not deserve this unfair treatment from our No 1 ally.”
The May 8 advisory, issued by the US State Department, mostly placed the Philippines in the “Level 2” category, meaning “exercise increased caution”.
“Terrorists and armed groups have carried out kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks targeting public areas like tourist sites, markets, and local government facilities in the Philippines,” the advisory read.
“Violent crimes are also common in the Philippines such as robbery, kidnappings, and physical assaults.”
The US advisory cautioned against all travel to the Sulu Archipelago and Marawi City, placing them in the “Level 4” category for “do not travel”, highlighting kidnappings targeting foreign nationals and the risk of death or injury due to “ongoing clashes between terrorist group remnants and Philippine security forces”.