Canada warns of terror attacks in Mindanao

Canada has advised its nationals against traveling to southern Philippines, citing a threat of terror attack in the region.

In its updated travel advisory, the Canadian government cited the Jan. 10 bombings in central Mindanao that killed seven people and injured 40 others.

"Canadians are advised against all travel to Mindanao unless you have critical or compelling business or family reasons. There is a threat of a terrorist attack, which could occur at anytime in this region," the Canadian travel advisory said.

The Canadian government issued the warning amid the gains made by the Philippine government against the Abu Sayyaf.

Authorities, however, warned of possible revenge attack from the bandit group following the death of its two top leaders.

"Continuing reports suggest that there is an ongoing terrorist threat to Westerners and Western interests in the Philippines. Philippine authorities have warned that there may be bomb attacks in Manila and other key cities. Security has been increased in Manila and other cities," the advisory said.

Canada also warned its nationals to avoid large gatherings because of the developing political events which supposedly triggered the frequency of anti-government demonstrations.

Australia was the first to issue a travel advisory following the Jan. 10 triple bombings and identified nine areas as likely targets.

Australian Minister for Trade Warren Truss defended the travel advisory, saying it was their duty and obligation to inform citizens of the prevailing security situation in the country they are visiting or staying.

Truss stressed Australia had been helping and supporting the Philippines in improving security and its campaign against terrorism.

As this developed, senior ASEAN defense officials will be holding a three-day meeting starting today in the effort to fine-tune the region’s common stand against terrorism and transnational crimes.

Attending the meeting are top-ranking defense officials from member nations of Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

At the recently concluded ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the region’s 10 heads of state have signed a Convention on Counterterrorism legally binding their countries to share information and training aimed at stemming terror and cross-border crime.

Aside from taking up anti-terror measures, the defense chiefs are also expected to discuss the protocol of the newly established ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) and Philippine initiatives in laying out a three-year work program. — With Jaime Laude