Philippines criticizes travel warning

[LostLuggageTales]

The Philippines has criticized a number of foreign travel advisories warning of possible terror attacks and a rise in kidnappings, saying they were based on outdated intelligence and rumors.

The U.S., Britain and Australia advised their nationals this week to be extra cautious when traveling to the Philippines and avoid southern parts of the country, where Muslim separatists, terror groups and kidnapping gangs are active.

In a notice posted on its Web site, the U.S. Embassy singled out a renewed threat by the Muslim extremist group Abu Sayyaf, which has claimed responsibility for a Feb. 27 explosion and fire on the Superferry 14 in Manila Bay. More than 100 people remain missing and 22 bodies have been recovered.
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[johnny_mac]

have you heard about the recent kidnappings in the philippines? that there have been three hostages?
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[Quality Townsville]

I think it should be this, some parts of the Philippine island should be on the watchlists not the entire Philippines, because it consists of 7,100 islands (be it low tide or high tide), and the most and pested part is in Mindanao, this part should be and a must on a watchlists.. unfair to other parts where there is peace and quiet atmosphere..

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[aimhigh]

You are right Quality Townsville, but we can't also blame if people are extra careful. The most dangerous part of the Philippines is Mindanao but not all Mindanao region. Only the lower part which include Tawi-tawi, Sulo, Maguindanao, Jolo because these provinces are near in Indonesia and Malaysia. Only 2 hours from speed boat. This is very easy for the kidnapper to bring their kidnap victims to other country. These abu sayaff are really dangerous because they are member of the taliban group, I know it is wrong to wish death of anyone but I think, in case of these Abu Sayaff anyone would wish their dead. I believe in saying that Mercy/Forgiveness to the Guilty is Cruelty to the Innocent.
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[Graziella]

Hi everyone,

Good day to all.

It is really a bit dangerous when it comes to some parts of the Mindanao. However, not all of Mindanao is dangerous. I've been back and forth in Cagayan de Oro and Davao with some foreign friends and family but it was a safe trip for everyone.

It is only true that everyone needs to be careful when touring in any parts of this globe. We should all keep that in mind. It is also true that I cannot blame other tourists from feeling doubtful about visiting the Philippines due to the terrorists news being shown all over the world.

But I would still have to say that Philippines is a wonderful place to visit. Just be careful but then no one should be afraid of being terrorized by them terrorists.
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[cheskalopez78]

I think Philippines is label as one of the dangerous place to go to it's because of the stupid idiots who kidnap foreigners and a to add to the scare is the Magindanao massacre in which many people were killed because of political war. So you can't blame other people who would consider Phil as a dangerous country.

But there are areas also in Phil that is safe. And there are a lot of nice views in Philippines also.
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[CBurchell]

If you stay in the Central Parks of the Philippines, it is relatively safe. Those who are usually kidnapped are not tourist but mostly missionaries in the Southern Part of the Philippines (Mindanao Island). Most tourist spot in the Philippines are secured by law enforcement. It does not have many tourist attraction in Mindanao, unless you are extremely adventurous. I would advice that you stay away from that area.
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[kairog]

As long as tourists stay away from the Southern part like places in Jolo, Basilan, and Zamboanga, tourists are very safe in the Philippines.

Lots of my foreign friends have decided to live in the Philippines for good because according to them Philippines is the paradise. In Makati city for example, you can see lots of foreigners just walk on the streets night and day without any fear. You can see expats mixes with Filipinos in many places here, just visit Greenbelt Park in Makati and you can see tourists are very happy and contented.

Thinking that the entire Philippines is dangerous is quite exaggerated.
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