Australia issues new travel advisory in RP

The Australian government yesterday issued a new travel advisory warning its citizens to refrain from going to demonstrations and large public events related to the coming May 14 elections because these may turn violent.

"Elections in the Philippines have in the past been associated with politically motivated violence. You should avoid any demonstrations, protests, rallies or other public events as they may turn violent," Australia said in its updated travel advisory yesterday.

Australia also informed its citizens of a high degree of terrorist attacks in targets like Metro Manila and Mindanao including the Sulu Archipelago.

The Australian government said it has been receiving continuous reports that terrorists are planning to attack a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

It also warned of the danger of kidnappings in Manila and around coastal and island tourist resorts throughout the Philippines.

The US issued on Saturday a travel advisory urging its nationals who plan to visit the Philippines to carefully consider the risks to their safety and security, citing the dangers of terrorism and the operation of kidnap-for-ransom gangs. – Pia Lee-Brago