U.S. warns ‘do not travel’ to these 2 islands in this popular Southeast Asian destination

U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to two islands that make up part of a popular Southeast Asian tourist destination. But officials in that country disputed the warnings, saying they were an “unfair” representation of “our number one ally.”

The U.S. State Department issued an updated warning for the Philippines. Currently, the country is under Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution designation due to the potential for kidnappings, bombings and other attacks that target tourist sites, markets and local government facilities.

Protests in the Philippines could turn violent and local governments often have limited ability to respond.

Philippine government responds

The warnings didn’t sit well with officials in the Philippines.

“This is an unfair shotgun warning,” Philippines House of Representatives member Rufus Rodriguez said, according to Fox News. “There are certainly many places in our country that are safe to tourists such as Cagayan de Oro City.”

“The United States should review this advisory. We do not deserve this unfair treatment from our number one ally,” he continued.

Rodriguez called on U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson to provide answers on the advisory and to ask his government Department of Foreign Affairs to provide information on the May 8 advisory.

Do Not Travel warnings

Two parts of the country are under the highest advisory level – a 4: Do Not Travel due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping.

The Do Not Travel advisory covers the Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, and Marawi City in Mindanao. Visitors are also advised to reconsider travel to other areas of Mindanao due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and terrorism.

Terrorist and armed groups in the Sulu Archipelago and the Sulu Sea have historically engaged in kidnappings as well as bombings and other attacks, the State Department warned. The U.S. government already requires special authorization for federal employees to travel to those areas as there are limited access to emergency services.

Clashes between terrorist groups and Philippine security forces prompted the warning for Marawi City.

Visitors are advised to reconsider travel to Mindanao, except Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and the Dinagat Islands. That area has been targeted by terrorists and armed groups who engage in kidnapping, bombings and other attacks, many of which target foreign visitors.