Canada issues travel advisory for PH over crime, terrorism, civil unrest By GMA Integrated News

The Canadian government is advising its citizens who will travel to the Philippines to exercise a high degree of caution due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping in some areas. In its advisory dated January 10, the Canadian government told its citizens to “avoid all travel” in the following areas in the Philippines: Basilan Sulu Tawi-Tawi Lanao del Sur Maguindanao Bukidnon Camiguin Lanao del Norte Misamis Occidental Misamis Oriental Cotabato Sarangani South Cotabato Zamboanga del Norte Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga Sibugay Sultan Kudarat With the “avoid all travel’ category, Canadians should not travel to these areas as their personal safety and security are at great risk. Citizens who are already in the area were advised to leave. Meanwhile, Canadians are also advised to “avoid non-essential travel” to the following areas in the Philippines: 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 Davao Oriental According to the Canadian government, the "Avoid Non-essential Travel" category means Canadians' safety and security could be at risk, and that they should think about their need to travel to these areas based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. GMA News Online has sought comments from the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police regarding Canada's travel advisory, but they have yet to provide a statement. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News

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