Reelected Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has strongly criticized the recent travel advisory issued by the United States, which warns Americans to exercise increased caution when traveling to the Philippines due to safety concerns.
Calling the advisory a “shotgun warning,” Rodriguez said it unfairly generalizes the security situation in the country. “There are many areas in the Philippines that are perfectly safe for tourists, including Cagayan de Oro City,” he emphasized. “The United States should reconsider this blanket advisory. We do not deserve such treatment from our closest ally.”
Rodriguez urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson to explain the rationale behind the May 8 advisory. He also appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to direct DFA officials, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez, and the Department of Tourism to account for their actions following the advisory’s release.
He warned that the US advisory could harm the Philippines’ international reputation and deter not only American tourists but other foreign visitors as well. “This will certainly hurt our tourism sector,” Rodriguez said. “It is also particularly unfair to Mindanao, which is home to many peaceful and welcoming communities.”
The US State Department’s May 8, 2025 travel advisory categorizes the Philippines under “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution,” citing threats such as crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. It outlines specific areas with elevated risks:
- Level 4 (Do Not Travel): Sulu Archipelago (including the southern Sulu Sea) and Marawi City in Mindanao.
- Level 3 (Reconsider Travel): Other parts of Mindanao, excluding Davao City, Davao del Norte, Siargao Island, and Dinagat Islands.
The advisory notes:
“Terrorists and armed groups have carried out kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks targeting public areas such as tourist sites, markets, and government facilities. Violent crimes including robbery, kidnappings, and physical assaults are common. Protests may occur and could become violent, with limited capacity of local authorities to respond.”
In addition, US government personnel must obtain special authorization to travel to certain areas in the country.
The State Department’s travel advisory system ranges from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
Rodriguez concluded by reaffirming his belief that the Philippines—especially areas like Cagayan de Oro—is unfairly depicted in the advisory and deserves a more accurate and nuanced assessment.
