Malacañang stressed yesterday that it is safe for foreigners to travel and do business in the Philippines following a travel warning issued by Australia.
According to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, they have verified the advisory with the Australian government and the Palace understands their concern.
“We understand the concern of the Australian government cautioning its citizens on the Philippines safety or security risks,” Roque said. “We verified with Australian officials and that the advisory is not a response to any specific threat,” he added.
Roque said Australia’s general threat assessment has remained the same as it was the height of the Marawi City rebellion.
He said that the Department of Foreign Affairs has coordinated with other embassies and there are no changes in travel advisories on the Philippines issued by other countries.
Roque added that the government has not received information about an increased terror threat in the country. “The Philippine government has no information about any increased terror threat in the country,” he said.
“We assure our foreign friends that local authorities have been enforcing tight security measures, especially in populated areas while we urge everyone to continue being aware of one’s surroundings,” he added.
Australia issued a travel advisory last Friday cautioning its citizens from traveling to the Philippines due to the threat of terrorist attack.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Australians should exercise heightened caution at this time and be alert on possible threats around locations that have a low level of protective security and places known to be possible terrorist targets. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)