Australia warns citizens vs Mindanao travel

MANILA, Philippines — Australia is reminding its nationals to remain alert to what it considers high threat of kidnapping in Mindanao, especially in the Zamboanga peninsula, Sulu archipelago and in coastal waters between the Philippines and Sabah, Malaysia.

“We haven’t changed the level of our advice ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ in the Philippines. Higher levels apply in the southern parts of the country,” the Australian embassy said after reviewing its travel advice for the Philippines.

The travel advisory said terror attacks, including bombings, are possible anytime, anywhere in the country, including in Manila.

“We continue to receive information indicating terrorists may be planning attacks in the Philippines,” it said.

Australia is urging its citizens not to travel to central and western Mindanao and reconsider the need to travel to eastern Mindanao.

Possible targets for future attacks include commercial and public places frequented by foreign nationals such as transport hubs, the metro system, hotels, shopping malls, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, markets, places of worship, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas.

Terror attacks are frequent in central and western Mindanao and there is a very high threat in this region of more terror attacks, kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups, Australia said.

It also cited high risk of more terror attacks, kidnapping and violent crime in eastern Mindanao.