Manila, July 17 -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday called for transparency and accountability in the publication of global travel reports following the retraction of a controversial safety index by insurance platform HelloSafe that listed the Philippines as one of the world's least safe countries to visit.

HelloSafe has issued a formal apology, expressing "sincere regrets for the misunderstanding and negative perception" caused by the publication in a media statement released on July 15.

The company also suspended the report as of June 20, pending a "full audit of the methodology and criteria used in its creation," and reaffirmed its "deep respect for the Philippines and its people."

DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco we...