The safety and security of all Japanese nationals in the country is a top priority for the Philippine government, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo told his Japanese counterpart Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

Manalo made the assurance during a bilateral meeting with Iwaya in Tokyo on Wednesday.

In a readout on Thursday, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said Iwaya emphasized that the “safety of Japanese nationals residing in the Philippines is essential for promoting investment” as he conveyed “hopes for improvements in the security situation in the Philippines.”

Quoting Manalo as saying, the ministry said the top Filipino diplomat assured Iwaya that the matter is “being handled at the highest level.”

He also assured that the Philippine government would “make every effort to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals, whether they visit for business or tourism.”

The ministry on May 9 advised its nationals living in Metro Manila to take caution following reports of robbery cases in areas where Japanese citizens are residing, for instance in Makati City and Taguig City.

The ministry, meanwhile, did not raise its travel warning in other regions based on its updated travel information on the country.

Japan recently downgraded its risk advisory in certain parts of Mindanao, including in the Davao region (Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental) from Level 2 to Level 1.

Under Level 1, Japan only advises its citizens to “take extra care” when traveling. (PNA)