The Canadian government’s advisory to avoid travel to 14 Mindanao provinces has been called out by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) as “outdated and misleading.” The advisory, issued last June 26, warned of “serious threats of terrorism, kidnapping, high levels of crime, and violent clashes between security forces and rebel groups” in the 14 provinces. MinDA believes that the portrayal of Mindanao as a region beset by terrorism, kidnapping, and violent clashes is inaccurate and harmful. The agency pointed out that many of the provinces listed as high-risk have long been peaceful and are actively thriving, hosting international investors, tourists, and development partners without incident. MinDA urged that Canada’s travel advisory be “reasonably updated” to reflect the current realities on the ground, and that a more balanced and evidence-based advisory will not only serve Canadian travelers better, but also honor the progress made by the people of Mindanao. The provinces in Canada’s red travel list are Basilan, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Misamis Occidental, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay, while other parts of Mindanao were given an orange code, which means “avoid non-essential travel.” MinDA remains committed to working with international partners to promote a truthful and constructive understanding of Mindanao’s transformation.
