Australia: “Exercise a High Degree of Caution” When Visiting PH
"There's an increased risk of civil unrest following recent events."
(SPOT.ph) Australians with plans to travel to the Philippines are advised to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to “an increased risk of demonstrations and civil unrest following recent events.” This is according to the site smarttraveller.gov.au.
Although the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) didn’t explicitly describe recent goings-on in the country, the travel advisory comes just a day after former president Rodrigo Duterte's arrest on March 11. Duterte was arrested based on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant which is expected to jumpstart investigations on the charges of crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs campaign.
As of writing, Duterte is scheduled to make his first appearance before the courtroom in The Hague, Netherlands.
Also read: Did the Philippines Really Surrender Duterte to the ICC?
Australia's warning to travelers in the Philippines
The advisory warned against travel in central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Sulu Archipelago, and the southern Sulu Sea, where, according to the warning, terrorist attacks and kidnappings remain an “extremely high threat.” It cited the possibility of terrorist attacks in public spaces, referencing the December 3, 2023, attack in Marawi City.
Travel is only advised in eastern Mindanao if absolutely necessary, with a few exceptions like Camiguin, Dinagat, and Siargao Islands.
The DFAT has also flagged the risk of violent crimes like armed robbery, sexual assault, and murder, which they claim “occur regularly.” Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and scams are also “common,” especially in Metro Manila, where tourists are often targeted.
“Avoid using public transport. Be careful in crowded shopping malls and other public places. Only use ATMs in secure locations,” the travel advisory goes on to say.
And then, of course, there’s the ever-present risk of natural disasters, from typhoons to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Also read: Duterte Is Arrested on ICC Warrant. What Happens Next?