MANILA – Canada has eased its travel restrictions to some provinces in Mindanao after a review of the security status in some areas in the region.

These areas are Camiguin and Dinagat Islands, while Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon were downgraded to “Avoid non-essential travel” category after being included in the “Avoid all travel” category earlier this year.

In the same travel advisory, Canada gave the Philippines a yellow risk level, the second level of travel alert, with a reminder to Canadian citizens planning to visit the country to “exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories) due to crime, terrorism and kidnapping.”

Meanwhile, Canadian citizens are advised to “Avoid all travel” in areas in Western Mindanao “due to the serious threat of terrorism, kidnapping, high levels of crime and violent clashes between security forces and rebel groups.”

· Basilan

· Cotabato

· Lanao del Sur

· Maguindanao

· Misamis Occidental

· Sarangani

· Sultan Kudarat

· Sulu

· Tawi-Tawi

· Zamboanga del Sur

· Zamboanga Sibugay

The Canadian advisory reminded its citizens that “extremists have been active in the southern Philippines for several years” and although local authorities have demobilized some violent extremist groups in recent years, there is still a risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings, especially in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu archipelago.

Clashes may occur between insurgent groups and security forces, the advisory added.

If Canadians still choose to travel in the southern Philippines despite this advisory, it is best to remain indoors as much as possible; be aware of your surroundings at all times; avoid crowded places; always travel with identification; expect an increased security presence in public areas, especially around malls and transportation hubs; stop at security checkpoints; monitor local media; and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, the advisory noted.

“There's a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Government of Canada's ability to provide consular assistance is limited if you get stranded in this area,” the advisory stated.