Manila, April 3 -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday reminded foreign tourists to be mindful of their behavior and respect the locals when visiting the Philippines.

"As the Philippines warmly welcomes guests from around the world, it is essential that they respect our people and our culture and comply with our laws during their stay," Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said in a statement.

"The Philippines is renowned for its friendly and hospitable people, and this is a key part of the unique Philippine experience that we offer to travelers. It is imperative that this generosity is met with respect."

The DOT, she said, condemns any form of abusive behavior by tourists, whether it is disrespecting the Filipino culture or viol...