25 April 2016

The Department has been advised of the contents of the new travel warning issued by the UK and US governments.  We acknowledge that it is the prerogative of these governments to issue advisories that aim to protect the welfare of their nationals abroad, which they have been doing for the past few years. The Department has similar protocols on the issuance of travel advisories.

We note the changes made to the warning, in particular the specific reference made to certain areas in the country instead of the usual generalized advisory.

We will continue to urge the UK and US authorities to present a balanced and objective assessment of the security situation in the Philippines. END