Advisory remains in parts of Mindanao: UK lifts Cebu travel warning

CEBU, Philippines — The United Kingdom has lifted the travel warning it issued over southern Cebu, but the warning remains in western and central Mindanao, as well as the Sulu archipelago “because of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups.”

"The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) no longer advise against all but essential travel to South Cebu," the UK embassy in Manila said in a Twitter post yesterday.

South of Cebu was included in the UK's travel advisory "due to threat of terrorism" since May 2017.

Presidential Assistant to the Visayas Michael Dino thanked the UK government for heeding the request to lift the travel warning, emphasizing that there is no threat of terrorism in this part of the province.

He also assured that security measures are in place to ensure peace and order in the south.

Department of Tourism-7 Director Shalimar Tamano said stakeholders are one in ensuring that Central Visayas in which Cebu is a part of is safe.

“Advisory or not, DOT Central Visayas continues the pursuit of being safest and most beautiful destination in Asia and beyond. We work together with other government agencies and stakeholders to fulfill that vision,” he told The Freeman.

Dino said the development is important because it can revive the tourism industry and the economic activities in southern Cebu, which is a favorite destination of local and foreign tourists because of its beaches and the now famous whale shark watching in Oslob town.

Dino said the travel advisory may have hampered the booming tourism in the south and affected businesses and livelihood of the local communities there.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, chairperson of the Provincial Tourism Commission, said the travel advisory had worried local officials in the south.

“It is such a relief to all of us because if one country will issue a travel advisory, other countries might follow,” Magpale said.

Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Allan Cesante said the lifting of the advisory shows that southern Cebu is safe from terrorism threats.

“Thank you for being aware that the southern Cebu is safe for foreigners, safe for Filipinos, safe for travellers, safe for all of us,” he said.

Alice Queblatin, president of the Cebu Association of Tour Operators, said the advisory could have been lifted earlier.

“Great news! Lifting the advisory in Cebu South should have been done earlier… after all, there was never an incident that could relate directly to Cebu. We feel reassured more than ever,” she said.

Meanwhile, the FCO continued to advise its citizens against travelling to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups.

"The FCO advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao (excluding Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao Islands) due to the threat of terrorism," it said.

On January 27, at least 27 people were killed and hundreds were injured in bomb attacks at a Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu.

The FCO also warned UK nationals against the election-related violence in the run up to the May 13 midterm polls.

"The Philippines Bureau of Immigration have specifically warned foreign nationals against participating in public protests and political rallies. Foreign nationals who participate in these activities may be detained and deported for violating Philippine immigration laws," it said — With Philippine Star News Service/JMO, (FREEMAN)