A series of security-related incidents has made travel unsafe in certain areas of the Philippines. Violence during recent political demonstrations, kidnappings of foreigners, and bombing incidents call for us to exercise extreme caution throughout the Philippines. A group of tourists, some foreigners,  were kidnapped from a resort on Palawan Island on May 27 by by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group (ASG). A similar incident was foiled with the loss of several Filipino lives at a resort on Samal Island, Davao del Norte on May 22, 2001. There is concern that the ASG or other groups may take additional actions against foreigners as was the case for the Columban priest murdered recently in a kidnap attempt. In the middle of October, an Italian Sacred Heart Priest was kidnapped in Zamboango City.

Confreres are strongly cautioned to avoid all travel to the southern and western areas of the Island of Mindanao, to include Zamboanga City, due to incidents of terrorism and violence. We should avoid travel to the islands of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Jolo located in the Sulu archipelago in the extreme southwest of the Philippines. We are particularly concerned about the travel plans of our vocation team, Frs. Mexicano and Vazquez, and other immersion programs that may involve our theology students. Salamat sa inyong pansin sa balitang ito.

Fr. Carl Chudy, SX