Aussies keep PH alert level high

MANILA, Philippines—Australia has updated its travel advisory on the Philippines, where the “overall level of advice has not changed.”

In its June 21 travel warning, the government in Canberra advised its nationals anew to exercise a “high degree of caution” due to the “high threat of terrorist attacks and the high level of serious crimes.”

“The level of advice for central and western Mindanao remains at “Do not travel.” They include the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Saranggani, Misamis Occidental, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao, and Cotabato City and the Sulu archipelago.

“If you are in central and western Mindanao, you should considering leaving. If, despite our advice, you decide to visit central or western Mindanao, you should put in place robust measures to ensure your personal security,” the advisory said.

The level of advice for eastern Mindanao, however, has been lowered to “Reconsider your need to travel” from “Do not travel.”

Eastern Mindanao is composed of the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

The Australian government also warned that “terrorist attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in the Philippines, including Manila.”

“We continue to receive credible reports indicating terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in a variety of locations, including places frequented by foreigners,” it said.

It urged Australian nationals “in all parts of the Philippines to exercise continued security vigilance following the death of (al Qaida leader) Osama bin Laden on May 2.”

“In planning your activities, consider the kinds of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include places frequented by foreigners, such as shopping malls, markets, embassies, expatriate housing complexes, hostels, guesthouses, clubs, hotels, restaurants, fast-food outlets, bars, cinemas, convention centers, places of worship, public transport, schools, tourist destinations, festivals and major sporting events,” it said.

Australia also warned of the “danger of kidnapping throughout the Philippines, particularly in the south, including coastal and island tourist spots and dive sites.”

According to the advisory, “violent crimes are a significant problem in the Philippines.”