The 10th Infantry Division (ID) has declared that its area of responsibility remains stable and generally peaceful, responding to a recent travel advisory from the Australian government for its citizens traveling to the Philippines. The advisory urged Australians to be vigilant, warning that terrorist attacks could occur anywhere in the country, particularly in parts of Mindanao.
Military Response to Advisory
Speaking on Wednesday, May 13, Ruben Gadot, a spokesperson for the 10th ID, stated that the military has not detected any movement of armed threat groups inside or outside the division's area of responsibility. This includes no recruitment, extortion, or violent activities linked to the New People's Army (NPA).
“Almost one year this coming June 13, 2026, since the last incident in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, we have not monitored any NPA violent incidents within and outside the 10th ID’s area of responsibility involving armed threat groups,” Gadot said.
Respect for Australian Prerogative
The 10th ID emphasized that it respects Australia’s “sovereign prerogative” to issue travel advisories for its citizens. “First of all, we respect what we call the sovereign prerogative of the Australian government in issuing travel advisories for its citizens,” Gadot added.
The military unit highlighted that areas under its jurisdiction—including the Davao Region, Sarangani, Cotabato, Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur—remain safe and generally stable due to sustained security operations, inter-agency cooperation, and community support.
Proactive Security Measures
Gadot noted that the military understands the advisory as a precaution urging travelers to carefully consider the need to travel. He added that the 10th ID continues to implement proactive security measures, particularly in border areas, in coordination with the Philippine National Police, Task Force Davao, and other agencies to prevent potential threats and ensure the safety of tourists visiting Mindanao.
