MANILA – Some 400 Japanese tourists have cancelled a trip to Cebu, after government troops clashed with Abu Sayyaf extremists in neighboring Bohol island, a tour operator said.

The encounter in coastal Inabanga town also prompted travel advisories from the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France and South Korea.

“They are canceling because of Bohol terrorism. It’s as simple as that,” said Alejandra Clemente, who chairs one of the country’s largest travel agencies, Rajah Tours.

• Read: ‘Resilient’ Bohol tourism hopes to weather security woes

Clemente said other foreign clients had also inquired about safety in the Philippines.

“That means they’re ready to cancel and change their destination,” she said.

Clemente said President Rodrigo Duterte should assure the international community on the safety of foreign tourists. – report from Mike Navallo, ABS-CBN News