Monday, October 15, 2007 DavSur guv says Canada's travel advisory baseless By Ben O. Tesiorna
THE travel advisory released by Canada identifying Davao del Sur as among the 10 Philippine provinces that are considered possible terror attack targets is baseless, Gov. Douglas Cagas said.
In a telephone interview, Cagas said Canada's travel advisory against Davao del Sur does not have enough bases considering that no foreigner was abducted or killed in his province the past three months under his administration.
"Wala man pu'y Abu Sayyaf dinhi (There is also no Abu Sayyaf here). So there's no basis at all," Cagas said.
In an updated travel advisory released Friday, Canada advised its citizens against travel to Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga del Sur, Saragani, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Maguindanao "unless they have critical or compelling business or family reasons."
"There is a threat of a terrorist attack, which could occur at anytime in this region. In the recent past there have been several bombings in a number of locations, including (but not limited to) Cotabato, Kidapawan and General Santos City causing several deaths and numerous injuries," the advisory read.
Canada advised its citizens to refrain from traveling at night particularly in Mindanao.
"Bombings and crime-related shootings have occurred in Mindanao, Manila, and other parts of the country, and explosive devices continue to be discovered by security authorities. Canadians should be vigilant and comply with all security procedures. Anything suspicious should be reported immediately to the nearest security authority," the advisory said.
