Despite protests by Manila against travel advisories issued by Western countries, Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade renewed its earlier travel warning without any substantial changes.
Canadians were advised against travel to the southern Philippines, particularly Sulu, Basilan, Jolo, Tawi-Tawi, Davao City, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, Sultan Kudarat and the Zamboanga peninsula.
The advisory cited kidnapping incidents in Mindanao and other regions including Metro Manila since April 2000, with kidnap victims being held hostage for long periods, with some of them getting killed.
The same advisory warned Canadians against roaming the streets of Metro Manila.
"Some gangs have used extreme violence and have targeted business individuals and visitors throughout the Philippines, including Metro Manila and Makati, the business and entertainment district," the advisory said.
Canadians were also advised against going to public places and entertainment spots, as well places of worship.
"Bombs have exploded in shopping malls, on public transportation, at the international airport in Manila, places of worship, and in other public areas, some resulting in injuries and deaths," the advisory stated.
The same travel advisory cited the bombing incidents in 2002, the most recent on Oct. 20 last year in Zamboanga City where a US serviceman was killed.
Travelers were also advised against trekking Mt. Pinatubo due to the danger of muggings.
"Canadians traveling throughout the Philippines should be vigilant and maintain a high level of security awareness due to the continuous threat of kidnappings, bombings and other violent incidents," the advisory said.
Last week, Britain issued a travel warning to its citizens about street crimes in the Philippines, adding that terrorism and kidnappings remain a danger in Mindanao.
Recently, the US State Department issued a statement saying crime is a "serious concern" in Manila.
It advised its citizens to be wary of the confidence men who use tranquilizers to spike victims’ drinks before they are robbed or raped.
President Arroyo earlier said the travel advisories were a bit "off track," citing the renewed anti-crime efforts by law enforcement agencies such as the setting up of checkpoints, which has significantly brought down criminality in Metro Manila in the past days.
The President also pointed out that the government is gaining the upper hand in the war against drug syndicates, pointing out the recent arrests of suspected drugs lords and seizure of millions worth of narcotics.
Asean leaders, including Mrs. Arroyo, earlier scored the Western countries for issuing travel warnings which tend to hurt their economies and regional tourism.
The World Tourism Organization also criticized the Western countries for issuing advisories that were too general and destructive to the image of the nations concerned.
The US, Canada and Australia maintained it was their duty to inform their nationals of the situation in different countries.