US merely exercising its right to protect citizens in latest travel advisory against PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10):  US merely exercising its right to protect citizens in latest travel advisory against PHL

The United States is merely exercising its right to caution and protect its nationals when it issued the travel advisory asking the latter to be careful in visiting the Central Visayas in wake of "unsubstantiated yet credible information” that terrorist groups would try to kidnap foreign nationals while they are in the area.

"The issuance of travel advisories by other nations is an inherent function performed by countries to advise their nationals and caution them. The US which has a significant number of citizens who travel do this regularly as a precautionary means to protect its citizens. The PH (Philippines) does the same in as far as its OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) are concerned and even goes to the extreme of halting their deployments if necessary in order to protect them," said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla on Monday.

And while the AFP is still to detect any serious threats to tourists in Central Philippines, he noted security forces are ever vigilant and proactively engaged to deter any threats posed on travelers specially during the long holidays this week.

"Our security posture as a community and as nation though can be enhanced further if our citizens remain vigilant, alert and always mindful of their surroundings to prevent any disturbance to the peace they enjoy. Everyone is also encouraged to closely cooperate with authorities at all times. We are all here for you ready and at your service," Padilla said.

The military, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP), remains committed in ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of people residing in or sojourning in the country whether Filipinos or nationals of other countries, he noted.

"We have instituted measures and proactive steps to toward that direction. Arrests have been made of people with links or possibly connected to local or international terrorist organizations," said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.

The United States Embassy, in a statement, said it has received unsubstantiated yet credible information that terrorist groups may attempt to conduct kidnappings in Central Visayas, which includes both Cebu and Bohol provinces.

American citizens were advised to carefully consider such an information as they make their travel plans, and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times.

"We have been successful so far in warding off security threats without announcing the meritorious results," said Arevalo.

"We respect the right and mandate of the US Government-- and that of any other countries for that matter," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=979206