US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas today said that he is planning to ask Washington to lift the existing travel ban in Mindanao. Thomas made the statement during his visit here today to attend the 20th Mindanao Business Conference, the biggest gathering of business stakeholders in southern Philippines. He said that the US government will be opening a special crime laboratory in Zamboanga city today to augment the police capability in solving crimes in their respective localities. "We will make good governance a pre-requisite for partnership; unless the bombing, kidnapping, and terrorist acts stop, we will not lift our travel ban in Mindanao," he said. He, however, pointed out that the peace and order situation in Mindanao has significantly improved over the past few months, while noting that his government support for the on-going peace negotiations of the government with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Thomas said he plans to ask Washington for the lifting of travel ban in Mindanao. "I am here today because I have fate in everyone of you to do your share," he said, while noting that the business atmosphere in the south has been one of his government's barometers in its continuing programs in the area. "It is because of your confidence that we continue our work,' he pointed out, adding that Mindanao has a very big economic potential. The Mindanao area business confab traced its beginning in 1992 when the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry began holding area business conferences around the country to give more focus on regional economic and development objectives. In the second day of the three-day event, City Mayor Sammy Co thanked Thomas for his presence despite the security situation in the south, saying that the coming of the US ambassador signals the trust of the foreign community in Mindanao's trade potential. "We must poster a stronger relationship among ourselves for the improvement of the business industry in southern Philippines," he said. "We are inviting investors to come in as we all have laid down the basic infrastructure requirements for you to do business here," he noted, citing the five-year tax incentives of the city government to potential investors. Co urged Mindanao business stakeholders to create a bond for the improvement of the business atmosphere in the area. The presence of the US envoy is expected to boost the confidence of the businessmen in the economic activities in the Mindanao, especially in augmenting the administration's flagship program, Private-Pubic Partnership. Source:- http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=725429&publicationSubCategoryId=200
I spend quite a lot of time in Mindanao. Mainly in Davao area, but often visiting in and around Zamboanga. Would be good if the 'travel advisary's' could be eased and a follow up with insurances.
Well, this would be welcome news to me too. I still think the governments should advise their travellers to be wary around Mindanao. but that said, if you date a girl from around their she will be the one most cautious of you both
