Gov't pledges to ensure safety of foreigners

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government assured today that the concerned law enforcement agencies are taking active steps to ensure the safety of foreign nationals as well as the Filipino citizens here.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda made the statement shortly after Canadian and Australian officials issued separate travel advisories against travelling to the Philippines, particularly to Mindanao, due to the peace and order situation there.

Lacierda said the Philippine government respects Canada and Australia's decision to issue travel advisories.

"We understand the reason for their doing so but we can assure them that our responsibility as a nation is to ensure the safety of our own citizens as well as the visitors who come here," Lacierda said.