Japan downgrades Davao travel advisory

DAVAO CITY — The Japanese Foreign Ministry has downgraded its travel advisory for this city from Level 2 to Level 1, effective last April 26.

Kiyoshi Suwa, Japanese consul-general here, said Level 1 means Japanese nationals are being advised to "exercise caution" when traveling to this southern city.

The Level 2 warning, advising Japanese citizens to postpone their planned trips, was issued following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

This city is the only city in Mindanao under the Level 1 category. The Japanese Foreign Ministry still recommends deferment of travel to other areas in Mindanao, particularly Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Norte, North Cotabato, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, the areas surrounding Zamboanga City, and those south of the line connecting Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte and Tiglao, Zamboanga del Sur.

Also under Level 2 are areas in Mindanao and Palawan facing the Sulu Sea and the Sea of Mindanao and those west of Davao del Sur.

City and regional tourism officials have lobbied for the lifting of the Japanese travel advisory to pave the way for the annual pilgrimage of over 2,000 Japanese nationals to a shrine here next month.

Suwa, however, clarified that the advisory only serves as reference for Japanese travelers who are not legally bound to follow it.

He said the information contained in the advisory is valid on the day it was issued, and is reviewed every three months, taking into account the prevailing peace and order conditions.