UK, Canada warn citizens against travel to Zamboanga
MANILA, Philippines – Two more countries have issued advisories against traveling to Mindanao, reported Radyo Inquirer 990AM Tuesday.
The United Kingdom advised its citizens not to travel to southwest Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago “because of on-going terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups.”
“The [Foreign and Commonwealth Office] advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao for the same reasons,” it said.
The advisory said there was “credible and imminent kidnap threat against foreigners in Zamboanga Del Norte.”
The radio report said Canada also warned their citizens against travel to Zamboanga City where clashes between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and government troops left at least six people dead and around 30 held captive.
On Monday, immediately after reports of the Zamboanga firefight, the United States’ embassy in Manila issued a similar advisory.
Article continues after this advertisementIt urged citizens to postpone travel to the peninsula, noting that the Zamboanga City airport has been closed
Article continues after this advertisement“US citizens in the Zamboanga City area should shelter in place to avoid becoming involved in the fighting or should follow any instructions from local authorities regarding evacuation,” it said.
In May this year, the three countries, as well as Australia, cautioned their citizens against traveling to Mindanao because of the threat of kidnapping.
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