US warns citizens against travel to some Mindanao areas

US Embassy in Manila, Philippines. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The United States Embassy in Manila on Thursday advised American citizens against travel to Davao Region and Central Mindanao (North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani) and Maguindanao because of “series of credible security threats.”

“Individuals associated with known extremist and insurgent groups are believed to have been conducting surveillance on a number of public locations in these areas, as possible targets of interest,” the US embassy said in the emergency message.

“Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Example of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and other destinations, whether frequented by foreigners or locals,” it added.

It further warned American citizens residing in southern Mindanao and those travelling to Mindanao “to exercise extreme caution and re-evaluate their personal safety situation.”

Meanwhile, the military said there was “no confirmation” of these “credible threats” cited by the US embassy.

“Because of what happened in Mindanao, it is the right of another country to protect their citizens we respect that and we already have troops on the ground all over Mindanao that are ready for any contingencies,” Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.

He added that they do not have the same information with the US government.

“We will remain vigilant in these areas, especially the areas that they have mentioned,” Zagala said.