Tuesday, April 24, 2007 Defense chief dismisses travel advisories on Mindanao
DEFENSE Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said the government is not bothered by the recent travel advisories issued by the US and Australia that have asked their citizens not to travel in certain areas in Mindanao.
"That's (issuance of travel advisories) normal, isn't it. The problem is when they say not to go to Philippines," Ebdane told defense reporters.
Ebdane also noted that the American and Australian governments have issued similar travel advisories to their citizens in the past. "They (US and Australia) have been doing this even before. That's but normal," he said.
"Even us, we tell our citizens not to unnecessarily visit Jolo or Tawi-tawi or even parts of the Zamboanga peninsula where there are violence," Ebdane said in downplaying the travel advisories by the two countries.
In its travel advisory, the US said a terrorist group is plotting bombings in Central Mindanao in the next several days. On the other hand, Australia said the terrorists are targeting areas frequented by foreigners.
Ebdane said the travel advisories could be seen on a positive way. "It's better that there are advices rather than none at all because if there is no advice and something happens, then they have something to blame," he said.
"Now, if there is an advice and still you go there and get victimized, then one way or another, it's because of your own fault. That's (advisories) normal. The problem is when you say not to go to Philippines," he said.
In half-jest, Ebdane also said: "Maybe we can also say that we should prohibit our citizens from loitering in areas, in their (US and Australia) areas that are crime prone. We can also say that we should not visit Bronx, New York." (VR/Sunnex)
