PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief PGen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. expressed disagreement with the advisory issued by the Canadian government for its citizens traveling to the Philippines.
According to Chief Acorda, Canada’s advisory can be considered “unfair” and not impartial.
“I don’t agree because it will be unfair not only to the whole country but most especially to all the agencies involved, including the law enforcement agencies, and especially our police who are doing their best. I think the right appreciation should be accorded to them,” according to PGen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr., Chief, PNP.
Acorda also commended the results of a global survey, ranking the Philippines as the third most frequently visited country in Asia by foreigners.
However, the PNP chief acknowledged that there is still much work to be done by the police to ensure the safety of Filipinos.
“It’s a matter of how we convince them, especially the Canadian citizens, that really the statistics will speak for itself. Maybe there’s a lot more to do, things that need to be done, especially when it comes to public perception for foreigners, especially Canadian citizens, to convince them that the situation is good now,” Acorda added.
The Canadian government issued the travel advisory to the Philippines last January 10,
This advisory urges Canadians not to travel to provinces in Mindanao, such as 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, and Sultan Kudarat, citing concerns about crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
While the National Security Council (NSC) emphasized that the travel advisory does not accurately reflect the current security situation in Mindanao and the entire country, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año acknowledged that assessing security is an ongoing process.
“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,” according to Sec. Eduardo Año, NSC.
The NSC highlighted the Philippines’ improved ranking in the Global Terrorism Index, indicating a positive trend in peace and security.
“We emphasize that the peace situation in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao, has greatly improved as reflected in the improved ranking of the Philippines in the Global Terrorism Index from being part of the top 10 countries affected by terrorism a few years back to rank 18 last year,” Año added.
The Philippine Army, represented by LtCol. Louie Dema-ala, said the military respects Canada’s travel advisory but assured the public that they continue to fulfill their mandate to maintain peace and order nationwide.
“We respect the declaration or the advisory issued by the Canadian embassy regarding the security of their citizens. However, the Philippine Army is still doing our mandate to maintain peace and order in our area,” according to LtCol. Louie Dema-ala, Spokesperson, Philippine Army.
Former Palace Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque acknowledged that other countries, including Canada, have the right to issue advisories for the safety of their citizens.
He suggested that the Philippines should engage with Canada’s security sector to understand the basis of the travel advisory.
“First of all, we cannot dictate to the governments of different countries what advisory they should give to their citizens. Of course, they are safeguarding the well-being and safety of their citizens,” according to Atty. Harry Roque, Former Palace Spokesperson.
Roque also pointed out Canada’s advanced intelligence capabilities and recommended diplomatic engagement between the security sectors of the Philippines and Canada to address concerns.
“The Canadians have quite advanced intelligence gathering, so instead of them being onion-skinned and saying it’s baseless, I would rather they sit down with the representatives of Canada and their defense attachés and understand why such a travel advisory was issued,” Roque added.
