Rep. Rodriguez Condemns U.S. Travel Warning on the Philippines as ‘Unfair’; Urges DFA to Summon U.S. Envoy

Cagayan de Oro City Representative Rufus Rodriguez has strongly criticized the United States’ recent travel advisory on the Philippines, calling it an “unfair shotgun warning” that could harm the country’s tourism sector and tarnish its international reputation.

The advisory, issued by the U.S. State Department on May 8, placed the Philippines under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution alert, citing rising threats such as crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. It also specifically discouraged travel to several parts of Mindanao, placing most of the island under Level 3: Reconsider Travel, and labeling Marawi City, Sulu, and the Sulu Sea under the highest alert, Level 4: Do Not Travel.

Rodriguez urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon U.S. Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlsonto explain the basis of the advisory. He also called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to coordinate with the DFA, the Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, and the Department of Tourism to address the implications of the advisory and initiate appropriate diplomatic action.

The lawmaker warned that the U.S. advisory could discourage not only American travelers but also other foreign tourists from visiting the country. He expressed particular concern for the impact on Mindanao, noting that many areas in the region are peaceful and open to tourism.

Under the U.S. system, travel advisories range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel). While the Philippines overall remains at Level 2, the heightened alert levels for various parts of Mindanao have drawn criticism from local officials who argue that the classification is overly broad and damaging.

Rodriguez stressed that not all regions in the Philippines face the risks highlighted in the advisory, and emphasized the need for the U.S. to reassess its travel warning with more nuance and accuracy.