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A congressional representative from the Philippines criticized the recent U.S. travel advisory issued for his country on Sunday, labeling it as “unfair” and unexpected from a nation considered their “top ally.”
Rufus Rodriguez, a member of the Philippines House of Representatives, argued, “This broad warning is unjust,” pointing out that numerous areas, like Cagayan de Oro City, are indeed secure for tourists.
“The United States should review this advisory. We do not deserve this unfair treatment from our number one ally,” he continued.
On May 8, the U.S. State Department issued a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” travel advisory for the Philippines.
The travel guidance from the U.S. State Department, categorized as “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution,” suggests travelers be more vigilant when visiting the Philippines. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
It said the U.S. government had limited resources to provide emergency services to its citizens in these areas.
A “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory was issued for Mindanao island — with exceptions for Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island and the Dinagat Islands — due to terrorist and armed groups in Mindanao that have “historically engaged in kidnappings for ransom, in addition to bombings and other attacks.” The warning said these incidents often target foreign nationals, including Americans.
Rodriguez, who represents the second district of Cagayan de Oro, a city in northern Mindanao, called on his government’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson to demand answers over the advisory.
The lawmaker also called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ask the DFA, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez and the Philippine Department of Tourism to explain what they have done since the U.S. State Department’s warning on May 8.
Rodriguez called on his government’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson to demand answers over the advisory. (Getty Images)
Rodriguez argued that the warning places the country in a bad light for the international community.
“It discourages not only Americans but other foreign tourists as well from visiting the Philippines. It will surely hurt our tourism sector,” he said. “It is likewise particularly biased against our beloved island, Mindanao.”
