US warns of terror attacks against its citizens

MANILA, Philippines - The United States has warned of terrorists and criminals planning to attack US citizens and other foreigners in the East Asia and Pacific regions, including the Philippines.

On April 10, the US  Department of State issued the Worldwide Caution to update information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against US citizens and interests worldwide.

It replaced the Worldwide Caution dated Sept. 25, 2013, to update information on security threats and terrorist activities throughout the world.

US citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

The State Department said information from confirmed sources showed that extremist groups in the East Asia and Pacific regions have demonstrated the capability to carry out attacks in locations where Westerners congregate.

It warned of the risk of travel to southern Philippines, specifically of kidnapping threats in the Sulu archipelago and the threat of violence in Mindanao, particularly Central Mindanao.

US citizens were advised to defer non-essential travel to the Sulu archipelago due to the high threat of kidnapping of international travelers and violence linked to insurgency and terrorism.

“US citizens should continue to exercise extreme caution if traveling to Mindanao,” the State Department said.

Separatist and terrorist groups increased last year the tempo and scale of activities and confrontations with Philippine security forces, with increased bombings, attacks on civilians and political leaders, and battles.

In September 2013, elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) occupied portions of Zamboanga City and engaged in a lengthy battle with security forces which reduced large parts of the city to rubble.

The US government designated the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Abu Sayyaf as foreign terrorist organizations.

JI is linked to al-Qaeda and other regional terrorist groups and has cells operating throughout Southeast Asia.

The Worldwide Caution cited the incident on Nov. 15, 2013 when gunmen linked to the Abu Sayyaf raided a resort on Pom Pom Island off Sabah, killing a tourist from Taiwan and taking his wife hostage.

On Dec. 20, Filipino authorities recovered the Taiwanese woman in a forest near Barangay Talipao on the island of Jolo.

Some media reports indicated she was released in exchange for ransom.

On Dec. 2, Malaysian police announced the arrest of two suspects in Semporna, Sabah, allegedly linked to the attack.

The State Department said kidnappings-for-ransom occur in these areas.

In addition to incursions on the coastal and island resorts themselves, criminal or terrorist bands may attempt to intercept boats ferrying tourists.