UK, Canada warn nationals vs travel to South

MANILA, Philippines – The British and Canadian governments have issued advisories to their respective nationals, specifically against travel to Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of clashes between government troops and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

This follows Australia’s advisory earlier this month to its citizens against travel to Mindanao.

The United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth Office cited the ongoing clashes between the military and insurgent groups in the Sulu archipelago including Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo.

“We advise against all travel to mainland Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of ongoing terrorist and insurgent activity,” the advisory said.

“Since August 10 there have been clashes between insurgent groups and the Philippine Armed Forces in North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte provinces of Mindanao. There have been reports of civilian fatalities and thousands of people have been displaced.”

The British government said terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out these attacks at any time and anywhere in the country.

“Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers,” the advisory added.

Around 70,000 British tourists visit the Philippines every year.

Canada’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade also advised its nationals against traveling to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), comprising Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and Shariff Kabunsuan, as well as the Zamboanga peninsula, Zamboanga del Sur, Sarangani, Lanao del Norte, Davao del Sur (excluding urban areas of Davao City), South Cotabato, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.