Año: PH peace situation has ‘greatly improved’

From Malaya Business Insight (Jan 18, 2024): Año: PH peace situation has ‘greatly improved’ (By Victor Reyes)

NATIONAL Security Adviser Eduardo Año yesterday questioned a travel advisory issued by Canada that told its citizens to “exercise high of caution in the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping.”

“While we appreciate their concern for the safety and security of Canadian citizens, we wish to express our disagreement with the basis and scope of the advisory,” he said.

Año said the peace situation in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, has “greatly improved,” noting the country’s improved ranking in the Global Terrorism Index, from being part of Top 10 a few years ago to No. 18 last year.

“The Philippines also ranked 115th in the Global Peace Index in 2023 scoring 6 points for positive change,” he also said.

He invited representatives from the Canadian government to a “constructive dialogue” with Philippine officials “to better understand the context and nuances of the security situation.”

“Such discussions will help ensure that travel advisories accurately reflect the current conditions in the Philippines,” said Año.

“While we respect the right of every country to issue travel advisories based on the safety of their citizens, we believe that a more nuanced approach will be beneficial. We remain committed to the safety and well-being of all visitors, including Canadian nationals, and we are open to working together to address any concerns,” he added.

The advisory, issued on January 10, told Canadian citizens to “avoid all travel” to Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi “due to the presence of extremist groups, serious threat of attacks, kidnapping, piracy and violent clashes between the security forces and rebel groups.”

It likewise asked Canadians to also “avoid all travel” to Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay “due to the serious threat of terrorism, kidnapping, high levels of crime, and violent clashes between the security forces and rebel groups.”

The advisory also advised Canadians to “avoid non-essential travel” in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte (excluding Siargao Island), Surigao del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte

Davao del Sur (excluding Davao City), Davao Occidental and Davao Oriental some parts of eastern Mindanao “due to the threat of terrorism, kidnapping, high levels of crime, and violent clashes between the security forces and rebel groups.”

Año said government has implemented “comprehensive measures to enhance peace and security in Mindanao” and has been unrelenting in addressing root causes of violence and rebellion in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

He said the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Act that created BARMM “significantly reduced violent incidents in Mindanao.”

“This significant reduction in incidents signifies successful law enforcement operations contributing to a safer and more stable environment in Mindanao,” said Año.

He also noted President Marcos Jr’ announcement that there are no more active guerrilla fronts of the New People’s Army and 1,399 communists and terrorists were neutralized last year.

https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/ano-ph-peace-situation-has-greatly-improved/