UK warns citizens in PH over protests

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The United Kingdom has warned its citizens against “demonstrations and large gatherings of people” in the Philippines, citing protests in several countries.

In updating its travel advise, UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) cited “international news events” in reminding citizens to be careful of protest actions that could bring them harm.

The advisory did not cite any international incident in particular, but it came amid international vigilance over protests that may occur in diplomatic posts over an anti-Islam video that recently triggered violent attacks on American Embassies in different parts of the world.

“International news events have recently triggered demonstrations in several countries. You should regularly check this advice, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people which might place you at risk and observe advice given by local authorities,” read the amended advisory.

The UK FCO also retains its standing warning against travel to Mindanao because of “on-going terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups.”

Some 104,000 British tourists visited the Philippines in 2011, the UK FCO said citing figures of the Philippines’ Department of Tourism.

The UK warning followed the US Embassy in Manila’s reminder issued on Thursday for its citizens in the Philippines to be more careful, citing recent attacks on US posts because of the controversial video.