A SECURITY alert issued by the US Embassy in Manila lasting until October 10 raises old questions about safety in the Philippines for foreign visitors.
On September 28, the US Embassy warned that a threat against American citizens had been detected in metropolitan Manila, specifically the Pasay City neighbourhood. While the threat was unspecified, the embassy advised its citizens to “exercise caution”. Security has since been stepped up at government facilities in the area.
The warning was followed by similar advisories from the British, Canadian and Australian embassies to their respective Manila-based nationals.
Delegates at last week’s PATA Travel Mart in Manila told TTG Asia e-Daily that safety in the Philippines, including its capital, remained a key concern for international visitors.
“For French tourists, security is their top concern,” said Abdel Halim Karoun, executive director, Besoin de Partir Lyon. Besides the Philippines’ “lack of image”, prospective visitors tend to be “afraid” and want others to try the destination first, he explained.
Luigi Petrosillo, managing director, Asia Holidays Rome, said his customers often asked about security and previous kidnapping incidents when considering the Philippines as a destination. “The problem is the Philippines doesn’t spend enough to raise awareness of the good things,” he lamented.
So far, no official statement has been issued by the Philippines’ Department of Tourism regarding the alert.
Aileen Clemente, president, Philippine Travel Agencies Association and president, Rajah Travel Corporation Manila, said: “There is a difference between perception and reality, and the problem is making announcements that affect (wide) areas. Security alerts should be very specific about which areas are affected.”
Loubelle Mercado, sales & marketing supervisor, Rajah Travel Corporation, said: “We normally verify the advisory and check that the destinations we are offering are not affected. If there is an incident in (a particular) area, we will revise the itinerary or offer another destination.”
