Britain issues new travel advisory on RP

The United Kingdom issued yesterday its third negative travel advisory on the Philippines in less than a month.

In its latest travel advisory, the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) maintained that there is a "high and general threat of kidnapping throughout the Philippines."

The advisory included the recent bombing in Parang, Maguindanao that killed 22 people and injured dozens of others.

It noted that regular bombings and kidnappings occur throughout the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. As with the previous advisories, Manila was cited as a target of the bombings.

"There is a high general threat from terrorism and kidnapping throughout the Philippines. There continues to be threats against western interests and there is a danger of collateral damage from terrorist attacks targeted at others," the advisory noted.

The FCO advised against all travel to central, southern and western Mindanao, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu "where the terrorist and kidnap threat is greatest."

"We advise you to postpone non-essential travel to the rest of Mindanao and take particular care in Manila, throughout Palawan and at coastal resorts and tourist centers throughout the Philippines," it said.

The threat of kidnapping was also repeated for the entire country as it noted that the Philippine authorities are on a high state of alert following the spate of kidnappings.

It was noted that there were about 100 kidnapping incidents in the Philippines in 2002, some of which involved foreigners.

The degree of violence involved in the kidnapping incidents was also cited as the advisory said that some of the hostages were executed even after being held captive for a long period of time.

British citizens were advised against using all forms of public transport which the FCO considers as risky.

However, the advisory did note that the Philippine authorities have stepped up its measures to counter the terrorist and kidnapping incidents.

"The Philippine government is working to neutralize the terrorist threat. It has tightened security in Metro Manila and other areas considered at high risk, including airports and seaports," it said.

An entry on natural disasters was also included with a new reference to the landslides in Southern Leyte last Dec. 19, which killed more than 150 people.

It also noted that typhoons strike the Philippines during the rainy season usually between July and November and flooding may occur. The Philippines was also described as situated in an earthquake zone.

British nationals were also told to expect heightened tension in the Philippines in the run-up to the May 2004 elections.

The advisory cited the Oakwood Mutiny in July last year and that the Philippine authorities remain on heightened alert in case of further political unrest.

The FCO reissued its travel advisory against the Philippines last December and revised it a few days ago.