Britain warns of terror risk in RP

Britain has warned travellers of persisting threats of kidnapping and terrorism in the Philippines, cautioning in its latest advisory against going to some areas in Mindanao.

"There is a high threat from terrorism and kidnapping throughout the Philippines," said the advisory issued yesterday by the British embassy, warning people that they might get caught up in terrorist attacks.

The travel advisory by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the United Kingdom (UK) was updated and issued following the statement of the Philippine National Police (PNP) last Dec. 10 on increasing security around western embasseis and consulates based on reports that they may be target of terrorist attacks.

It comes on the heels of a recent attack on the US consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where one Filipino was killed.

"There is a danger of being caught up in such a terrorist attack," the advisory said.

It warned against travel to central, southern and western Mindanao, particularly in the provinces of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and the Sulu archipelago.

The advisory noted previous cases of bombings, not only in the southern region of Mindanao but also in Metro Manila such as grenades thrown at buildings in April, June and November.

The grenade attacks blamed by the police on communist guerrillas fell on the head offices of major oil players in the country in apparent protest of the rising prices in fuel.

"In April, June and November 2004, grenades were thrown at buildings in Manila’s Makati central business district, including offices of a major part-British company, and police defused three explosive devices found in public areas of the capital over the period of 18-21 June 2004," the UK advisory said.

Among the possible sources of attacks identified were the Abu Sayyaf, a Muslim kidnapping gang linked by Washington and Manila to the al-Qaeda terror network, the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the communist New People’s Army.

The FCO also cited the bombing of the Superferry sea vessel that killed over 100 passengers. The Philippine government confirmed last Oct. 11 that the Abu Sayyaf was behind the attack.

"You should take particular care in the rest of Mindanao, Manila, Palawan and at coastal resorts and tourist centers throughout the Philippines," the advisory said.

The same advisory also warned British citizens about being mugged on the streets.

The FCO issued a warning on the possibility of contracting Avian flu which hit most countries in Asia.

Even as there had been no reported cases of bird flu in the Philippines, British travelers have been advised against going to animal markets and poultry farms.

Aside from the UK, other countries that have existing adverse travel advisories to the Philippines include the United States, Australia and New Zealand. - With AFP