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France advises nationals in RP to be vigilant after hostage row


Following Monday’s bloody hostage incident in Manila, France advised its nationals to be vigilant in the Philippines. But France did not advise its nationals to avoid the country, saying Monday’s "dramatic event" does not reflect a fundamental change in terms of security. "The hostage taking took place August 23, 2010 in Manila that killed nine people was committed by a madman acting in isolation. This dramatic event does not reflect a fundamental change in terms of security in the capital. The number of weapons in circulation should nevertheless encourage vigilance," read a Google translation of its travel advisory updated Aug. 25. At least eight Hong Kong tourists were killed along with hostage taker, dismissed Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza in the 11-hour standoff at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Earlier, the United Kingdom advised its nationals as well to be careful in the wake of Monday’s incident. "In response to the incident, the British Government has not upgraded the level of our advice and we are not advising against travel to the Philippines. We have, however, included a factual reference to the incident in the text of our travel advice. This is standard practice for events of this type," the UK Embassy said on its website. Hong Kong had issued a "black" travel alert discouraging travel to the Philippines, shortly after the crisis ended Monday night. (See: HK issues travel ban to RP after hostage crisis) — RSJ, GMANews.TV

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