Manila, May 27 -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday defended Mindanao as a safe destination.

The statement comes after reelected Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez called out a United States advisory on the country, criticizing it as "particularly biased" against Mindanao.

The State Department, in its May 8 travel advisory, places the entire Philippines under level 2 where Americans are advised to "exercise increased caution" due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.

The same advisory placed Mindanao (except Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island and Dinagat Islands) under level 3 where Americans are urged to reconsider travel.

The DOT said Rodriguez's stance, particularly on highlighting safety in...