Japan lowers alert level advisory in RP

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA) has lowered its Alert Level 2 travel advisory to Level 1 in Luzon Island, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar and Masbate, the Department of Tourism said yesterday.

However, Metro Manila and the rest of the Philippines remain at Level 2.

Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab said this a welcome development.

"We have been working so hard to ask the Japanese government to lift the Level 2 as soon as possible. Our objective is for the Level 2 to be lifted completely," Palabyab said.

Level 2 advises Japanese to postpone travel to an affected area. It may advise tourists to leave the place, if necessary while Level 1 advises Japanese tourists to visit the place with special caution in order to avoid danger.