Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs deescalated travel advisories in some parts of Mindanao in the southern Philippines last month, affirming that the region is safe for tourists.

This move has been lauded by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and boosts hopes of revitalising tourism to the region.

As of 19th December, the travel warning for the Davao region was lowered to Level 1 from Level 2.

Deescalated areas are Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.

Meanwhile, the cities of Davao, Digos, Mati, Samal, and Tagum all remain at Level 1.

Other deescalated areas

Likewise, the risk advisory for Surigao City within the CARAGA region, as well as the province of Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao has been dropped from Level 2 to Level 1.

Cagayan de Oro City, Jasaan, Villanueva, and Tagoloan, and Siargao Islands remain under Level 1.

Japan also eased the travel warning from Level 3 to Level 2 for the eastern part of Sarangani Province, namely Malungon, Alabel, Malapatan, and Glan.

However, areas in the western part of Sarangani Province (Maitum, Kiamba, and Maasim) remain at Level 3.

What do these levels mean?

Under Level 1, Japanese nationals are simply advised to take extra care when traveling.

On the other hand, Level 2 discourages travellers from making non-essential and / or non-urgent trips to an area.

However, Level 3 advises Japanese nationals to refrain from travelling to covered regions at any time, essentially avoiding the area at all costs.