MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews / 21 December) – The Consulate General of Japan in Davao has downgraded risk levels in parts of Mindanao, but several areas have remained off limits to travel “at any time.”
The consulate classifies risk levels into Level 1 (take extra care), Level 2 (refrain from traveling if non-essential and non-urgent), and Level 3 (refrain from traveling at any time).
In a travel advisory issued on December 19, the consulate lowered the risk level for Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental from Level 2 to Level 1. The cities of Tagum, Davao, Digos and Samal have remained at Level 1.
For Northern Mindanao, the Province of Misamis Oriental was lowered from Level 2 to Level 1. The towns of Jasaan, Villanueva, and Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental, as well as Cagayan de Oro City and Camiguin have remained at Level 1.
Bukidnon has remained at Level 2, and Lanao del Norte, Iligan City and Misamis Occidental stayed at Level 3.
For Caraga Region, Surigao City was lowered from Level 2 to Level 1. The Province of Surigao del Norte has remained at Level 2, while Siargao Islands, the country’s surfing capital, and Dinagat Island has remained at Level 1.
The classifications for other areas of Caraga did not change. Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur have remained at Level 2. Butuan City maintained its Level 1 classification.
For Region 12, the eastern part of Sarangani Province (Malungon, Alabel, Malapatan, and Glan) was lowered from Level 3 to Level 2. The western part of Sarangani Province (Maitum, Kiamba, and Maasim) has remained at Level 3.
Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces have remained at Level 3, while South Cotabato’s classification also remained unchanged at Level 2.
All areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, including Sulu which is no longer part of the region, and the Zamboanga Peninsula have remained at Level 3.
In a statement on Saturday, the Mindanao Development Authority said the lowering of the travel advisory levels [in parts of Mindanao] “underscores the progress made in improving peace and order across the island.
MinDA Chair Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said this development “marks not just improved safety, but also a renewed confidence in Mindanao as a destination for tourism, trade, and investment.” Magno added this will bring economic opportunities, “particularly for the tourism sector, which is expected to see a surge in domestic and international visitors.” (H. Marcos C. Mordeno/MindaNews)
