UK tells its citizens: Avoid western, central Mindanao

CEBU CITY—The United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory to warn its citizens against going to western and central parts of Mindanao due to reported “terrorist activity.”

In its government website, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of UK also warned its people of clashes happening between the Philippine government troops and insurgent groups in Mindanao.

The advisory, issued on Tuesday, also specified that the travel warning does not include Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao islands.

But the advisory also included southern Cebu towns of Dalaguete and Badian in the list of places that UK citizens were asked to avoid due to the alleged kidnapping of, and attacks against foreign nationals.

According to the advisory, terrorist groups continued to plan kidnapping operation against foreigners particularly in southern Philippines; in Mindanao and in Central Visayas.

The government website also added that the terrorists were “likely to carry out attacks in the Philippines, including Manila.”

“Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity to carry out attacks at anytime and anywhere in the country, including the places visited by foreigners, like airports shopping malls, public transport, and places of worship.” it added.

UK reminds its citizens to remain vigilant at all times and to report anything suspicious to local authorities. /jpv

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