Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez is up in arms over the United States' (US) "unfair" advisory cautioning Americans against traveling to the Philippines due to increased risk to their safety.
“This is an unfair, shotgun warning. There are certainly many places in our country that are safe to tourists. The [US] should review this advisory. We do not deserve this unfair treatment from our No. 1 ally,” Rodriguez said in a statement Sunday, May 25.
The recently reelected solon called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson to demand an explanation for the advisory.
He also urged President Marcos to ask the DFA, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez and the Department of Tourism (DOT) to explain what they have done since the US State Department issued the warning last May 8.
He said the warning places the country in bad light before the international community.
“It discourages not only Americans but other foreign tourists as well from visiting the Philippines. It will surely hurt our tourism sector. It is likewise particularly biased against our beloved island, Mindanao,” he pointed out.
The May 8, 2025 US State Department travel advisory places the Philippines under “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.”
It states:
“Exercise increased caution in the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk.
Do Not Travel to:
The Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
Marawi City in Mindanao due to terrorism and civil unrest.
Reconsider Travel to.
Other areas of Mindanao due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.
It further stated that "Terrorists and armed groups have carried out kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks targeting public areas like tourist sites, markets, and local government facilities in the Philippines."
"Violent crimes are also common in the Philippines such as robbery, kidnappings, and physical assaults. Protests happen in the Philippines and could turn violent and/or result in traffic jams and road closures with limited capacity of the local government to respond,” it further said.
The State Department issuance also advises US government employees working in the Philippines to “obtain special authorization to travel to certain areas of the country". The US travel advisories range from Level 1 to Level 4.
While the entire Philippines is under Level 2, Mindanao (except Davao City, Davao del Norte, Siargao Island, and Dinagat Islands) is under Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Marawi City and Sulu, including Sulu Sea, are under Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
The advisory warns Americans: “The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in these areas.”