Canada has eased travel restrictions to some provinces in Mindanao, but continued to warn of lingering threat of terrorism, high levels of crime and armed clashes between rebel groups and Philippine security forces in other parts of the region.

In its updated travel advisory on May 1, Canada has delisted Camiguin and Dinagat Islands from its travel warning following review of the security status in these areas.

Meanwhile, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental were downgraded to “Avoid non-essential travel” category after being included in the “Avoid all travel” category in January this year.

Canada has warned that travel to Basilan, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Misamis Occidental, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay must still be avoided.

“Extremists have been active in the southern Philippines for several years,” the Canadian advisory said.

“Although local authorities have demobilized some of violent extremist groups in the recent years, there’s still a risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings, especially in the following regions: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu archipelago.”

Security has been a major concern in Mindanao due to the proliferation of firearms and extremist groups that have engaged in kidnap for ransom activities, such as the Abu Sayyaf, which has been tagged as terrorists by the Philippines, United Nations, and the United States.

In 2016, two Canadian tourists, who were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf, were beheaded by the notorious armed group after the deadline for the payment of ransoms expired. As a policy, Canada said it does not negotiate with terrorists.

Canadians were also warned of bombs causing deaths, injuries, and property destruction that have exploded in public areas of major centers including the cities of Cotabato, General Santos, Isabela, Jolo, Kidapawan, Marawi, and Zamboanga.

Clashes may also occur between insurgent groups and security forces, it noted.

Except for Davao City and Siargao Island, Canadians were advised against “non-essential travel” to the following areas in Central and Eastern Mindanao, citing security risks: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.

While counterterrorism operations have diminished the capacity of terrorist groups to operate in the Philippines, Canada said “militants remain in the country even if attacks are less common.”

Should Canadians still proceed to travel in the southern Philippines despite its advisory, Canada urged them to “remain indoors as much as possible, be aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid crowded places, and always travel with identification.”

“Expect an increased security presence in public areas, especially around malls and transportation hubs, stop at security checkpoints, monitor local media, (and) follow the advice and instructions of local authorities,” the advisory said.

“There’s a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The government of Canada’s ability to provide consular assistance is limited if you get stranded in this area,” it said. —KG, GMA Integrated News