US to nationals: Be cautious in traveling to Mindanao

Citing the continued "instability" and recent acts of violence in Mindanao, the United States has advised its nationals to be cautious in going to the place, and to those who are staying there are likewise encouraged to hire security personnel. In a travel advisory last week, the US State Department also advised its nationals to stay away from gatherings in public places. "Travelers to (Maguindanao) should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas. Some foreigners who reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago (are advised to) hire their own security," it said in its alert. [See: Travel alert] Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City were placed under a state of emergency a day after the massacre of at least 57 people, including 32 journalists, in Ampatuan town last Nov. 23. The government declared martial law over Maguindanao from Dec. 4 to 12. In its alert, the State Department also urged US citizens to exercise "extreme caution" in Sulu following recent acts of violence there. But it said those who still wish to travel to Maguindanao should take note of travel restrictions and follow the instructions of concerned officials. "If US citizens travel to Maguindanao despite this Travel Alert, they should understand there are heightened tensions and there will be a significant military presence. They should carefully research restrictions imposed upon travel and follow the instructions of officials with regards to limitations on movement," it said. "The violence in Maguindanao in 2009 and continued instability there resulted in the Government of the Philippines extending a state of emergency in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and in the city of Cotabato. The state of emergency includes road checkpoints conducted by the Philippine military and law enforcement," it added. On the other hand, the US State Department also said it remains concerned about the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against US citizens and interests throughout the world. "The Worldwide Caution reminds US citizens that terrorism can occur anywhere," it said. It also encourages US citizens in the Philippines to register with the Consular Section of the US Embassy in Manila through the State Department's travel registration Website. The US Embassy is located at: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Philippines, with telephone (63-2)301-2000. The American Citizens Services (ACS) section's fax number is (63-2)301-2017. - LBG, GMANews.TV