MANILA, Philippines--Malacañang joined the Department of Health (DoH) on Monday in urging Filipinos to refrain from making ?unnecessary? travels to Mexico, United States and other areas with recorded cases of swine flu affecting humans.

But Lorelei Fajardo, deputy presidential spokesperson, said the advisory was not tantamount to a travel ban.

?We?re encouraging our countrymen to avoid?unless they need to go?these countries (with swine flu cases) like Mexico,? she said in a media briefing.