Amid US terror warning, Malacañang echoes DoT’s maligned tourism slogan

MALACAÑANG yesterday allayed fears of terror attacks insisting that the Philippines is both safe and fun.

“We do everything to secure not just our citizens but also our visitors. There have been incidents in the past, we’d like to think we learned from those incidents,” said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte reacting to the latest US travel advisory which warned its citizens of terror threats here.       

The US State Department’s travel warning came on the same day the Philippine Department of Tourism launched its new slogan “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”

Like an earlier slogan which drew criticism for sounding too much like a tourism come on for Poland, the new DoT pitch drew flak from critics who said it seemed like another piece of plagiarism citing an oddly similar Swiss slogan.

Malacañang and the DoT however staunchly defended the local slogan which Tourism SecretaryRamon Jimenez said was so apt for the country.   

Also, the travel advisory came days before the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila tomorrow, Monday, and weeks before the first anniversary of a bus bombing that killed at least four in Makati City.

Valte stressed that it is generally safe to visit the Philippines, but admitted visitors will have to take precautions.

“Safe pumunta sa ating bansa, if you follow, if you take general precautions and don’t disregard your safety. Maraming magandang tanawin at pwedeng gawin sa ating bansa,” she said.

The US State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs in its January 5 travel warning advised US citizens to exercise extreme caution especially in going to Mindanao, particularly in Sulu province in the southern Philippines.

“While most of the recent incidents of terror attacks have occurred on the island of Mindanao and in the Sulu Archipelago, US citizens are reminded that terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur in any area of the country, including Manila,” it said.

“Public gathering places may be targeted, including (but not limited to) airports, shopping malls, conference centers and other public venues,” it added.

It also said this travel warning, which replaces an earlier travel warning dated June 14, 2011, “reflects continuing threats due to terrorist and insurgent activities.”

The State Department said it remains concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against US citizens and interests throughout the world.

It warned US citizens to exercise extreme caution if traveling to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago.

Regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death in those areas, it said.

“US government employees must receive authorization from the Embassy to travel to Mindanao or the Sulu Archipelago,” the State Department said.

The State Department said kidnap-for-ransom gangs remain active throughout the Philippines and have targeted foreigners, including US citizens.

It also said a state of emergency is in effect for the Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces, as well as for Cotabato City in Mindanao.

“Travelers should expect heightened police activity and a significant military presence in these areas as well as restrictions that Philippine government officials may impose on travel in those areas,” it said.

US citizens were also advised to exercise caution when traveling in the vicinity of demonstrations, “since they can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.”