UK, US update RP travel warning

Britain and the United States warned their respective citizens yesterday about street crime in the Philippines and stressed that terrorism and kidnapping remain a danger in the country’s south.

The British embassy in Manila said on its website it was updating its travel advisory on the Philippines, cautioning its citizens against the possible rise of street crimes during the Christmas holidays.

"We advise you to be specially vigilant over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. British institutions and businesses and representatives of all non-governmental organizations should constantly review their security, taking local advice when appropriate," it said.

It advised first-time visitors to arrange for friends to pick them up at Manila airport or to use hotel transport services, to avoid displays of cash or jewelry, and to steer clear of con men who befriend tourists and then lace their drink with a date-rape drug.

The US State Department said in another travel advisory that crime is a "serious concern" in Manila.

It advised its citizens to be wary of the confidence men who use tranquilizers to spike victims’ drinks before they are robbed or raped.

"Americans traveling or residing in the Philippines are urged to exercise great caution and maintain heightened security awareness," it said.

"A number of security-related incidents highlight the risk of travel in certain areas due to incidents of kidnapping, bombings, and other violence and criminal activity," it said, specifically naming the southern Mindanao region.

Dated Dec. 11, Britain’s advisory said British nationals should be particularly vigilant in all public places during the holiday season in view of the general threat of terrorism and kidnapping throughout the Philippines.

"The Philippine authorities are on a high state of alert following a spate of kidnappings. Terrorist attacks have also previously occurred over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. A bomb exploded on a light rail transit in Manila on Dec. 30, 2000," the advisory read.

It also cited risks of taking all forms of public transport in the country as well as frequenting public places, entertainment spots and places of worship, especially those associated with foreigners.

Last Dec. 4, the British government also warned its citizens against traveling to the Philippines due to possible terrorist attacks and incidents of abduction. It also mentioned heightened "political tensions" generated by the preparations for the May 2004 general elections.

However, the Dec. 4 advisory acknowledged that the Philippine government is making efforts to neutralize the terrorist threat by implementing tighter security measures in Metro Manila and other "high risk" areas in the country. — Aurea Calica, AFP