Britain, Canada issue fresh travel advisories on RP

The abduction of a Swiss-Filipino businessman in Mindanao last Easter Sunday has prompted fresh travel advisories from Britain and Canada. In an advisory last Thursday (London time), the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Foreign Affairs urged its citizens not to travel to southwest Mindanao and Sulu. “There is also a threat of kidnapping in southwest Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. Foreigners have been targeted before in coastal areas. Most recently, a Swiss national was kidnapped in Zamboanga City on April 5. He is yet to be released," the advisory said. Last Easter, at least eight gunmen clad in police uniform raided a private resort and abducted 72-year-old Swiss-Filipino Carl Rieth in Zamboanga City. Rieth’s friend, German Karl Reichling, managed to fight off the raiders. Rieth, whose father was Swiss and mother Filipina, was born and raised in Zamboanga City and owns a vast tract of land. Reichling is married to a Filipina and also lives in Zamboanga City. No group or individual claimed responsibility for the abduction and the motive was still unknown. But officials said it might be a kidnap-for-ransom case. For its part, International Trade Canada reiterated threats of kidnapping in parts of the country. “Although government action has reduced the frequency of kidnappings, there remain reports of planned kidnap-for-ransom of business people," it said in its April 8 advisory. “Kidnappings have occurred throughout the country, including in Manila and several resort areas, and deaths have resulted in some cases. Canadians should be cautious when traveling to and around coastal areas and island resorts," it added. Britain noted that before this, Irish priest Michael Sinnott from Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur was abducted in October 2009. Also, three workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross, including two foreigner, were kidnapped in Sulu in February 2009. They were eventually released. “You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage-taking," the advisory said. It urged its nationals to stay safe during travel. “Seek advice from local contacts, avoid travel off the beaten track and always leave travel plans with friends, colleagues or relatives. Safety standards on taxis, buses and boats can be low," it added. Britain also advised against travel to southwest Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago covering the following areas — Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), including the islands of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the western provinces of Sarangani, North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay — because of terrorist and insurgent activities. “We advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao. If you intend to travel to the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental you should use air or sea routes as we advise against all travel to neighboring provinces," Britain said. It added that there had been terrorist attacks against civilians in Mindanao. “There is also criminal activity in Mindanao, including kidnapping and explosions." The most recent fatal attack was in Jolo on July 7, 2009, when an explosion in the main commercial area killed two people and injured at least 17 others, it added. Canada also warned its citizens against poll-related violence as the May 10 elections near. “The security situation remains uncertain and the risk of election related violence exists. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and avoid any protests, demonstrations and large gatherings, as the situation could deteriorate rapidly," it added. — NPA/HGS, GMANews.TV