Australia, UK warn vs ‘imminent’ terror threat in PHL

Despite the Philippine government's repeated assurances to the contrary, Australia and the United Kingdom warned their nationals Tuesday about an “imminent" terror attack in Manila. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade cited “reliable reports" in issuing the warning in its travel advisory Tuesday. “Reliable reports indicate that terrorist attacks may be imminent in Manila, including places frequented by foreigners such as large shopping malls and convention centres," it said. It advised Australians to “exercise a high degree of caution" in the Philippines because of the high threat of terrorist attack and the high level of serious crime. It also advised them to pay close attention to personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks. “Terrorist attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in the Philippines, including in Manila. We continue to receive credible reports indicating terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in a variety of locations, including places frequented by foreigners. You should avoid places known to be terrorist targets," it said. Similarly, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office said there is a “high threat" from terrorism through the Philippines. “There is a high threat from terrorism throughout the Philippines. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Such places could include, but are not limited to, airports, shopping malls, places of worship etc.," it said in an updated travel advisory Tuesday. UK-FCO said possible targets include places frequented by foreigners such as shopping malls, including mega malls, markets, embassies, expatriate housing complexes, hostels, guest houses, clubs, hotels, restaurants, fast food outlets, bars, pubs, cinemas, places of worship, public transport including buses and bus terminals, ferries and trains, schools, tourist areas, festivals, outdoor recreation and major sporting events. Airports, airfields, sea ports, railways, roads, military facilities, oil depots, power and telecommunications facilities and public buildings are also potential terrorist targets of attacks, UK-FCO warned. Since Sunday, the Philippine government had allayed fears of a terrorist attack on the country following a foiled attack on the United States. The Philippine military has admitted that the country is a perennial target of terrorist attacks due to its close ties with the US. It said it has started monitoring groups that may be fronts of terrorist organizations. - KBK, GMANews.TV