US, 4 other countries warn of terrorist attacks in PHL

UPDATED 7 p.m. – One week after a foiled attack by terrorists on its shores, the United States, along with four other countries, issued travel warnings about potential terror threats in the Philippines, particularly in parts of Mindanao. The US issued on Wednesday (Manila time) a warning against traveling to the Philippines due to “high risk" of terrorist activity not only in southern Philippines, but also in the country’s capital city, Manila. “Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and could occur not only in the southern islands but also in other areas, to include Manila," the US’ travel warning read. New Zealand travelers were also advised on Wednesday (Manila time) of “extreme risk" of traveling to the Philippines, particularly in the southern provinces of Basilan and Sulu. The US’ and New Zealand’s travel warnings came days after three other countries – Australia, United Kingdom and Canada – issued similar travel advisories to their nationals, following the foiled terror attack on the US. Eduardo Malaya, spokesman of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), said the government understands the "need of foreign embassies to issue travel advisories for their respective nationals." In a statement issued on Wednesday, Malaya said: "They have an obligation to look after the safety and security of their nationals here, in the same way that our Philippine diplomats look after the security and welfare of Filipinos overseas." "Our expectation is that whenever foreign embassies have intelligence information about any terrorist threat which may be useful to our security agencies, they will convey it to our side in a timely manner. We have been informed that such has been done recently," he added. "These reports and advisories need to be seen in perspective, as most are re-issuance of previous travel advisories. It is best to exercise care and caution, but there is no need to overreact," Malaya said. Targets: Malls, airports, public venues In its travel warning dated November 2, the US State Department stated that targeted sites may include public gathering places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers, including American citizens. Such sites include "but are not limited to" airports, shopping malls, conference centers and other public venues, it said. Meanwhile, Colin Crorkin, Deputy Chief of Mission of the British Embassy Manila, said the travel advisory from the UK has been changed but “the change is only textual and the level remains the same. We have not changed the level of our travel advice." "Our travel advices is always under constant review. We draw on a variety of sources available to the UK government including intelligence, local knowledge and the experience of diplomatic posts." The Philippine government has repeatedly downplayed the threats as its agencies beefed up precautionary security measures. The alert against possible terrorist attacks in the country stemmed from a foiled attempt to launch a terrorist attack on the US. The plot was discovered over the weekend when authorities intercepted bomb-laden packages sent from Yemen to synagogues in Chicago. Extreme caution The State Department said travelers should exercise extreme caution if traveling in the central and western portions of the island of Mindanao, as well as in the islands of the Sulu Archipelago. "Regional terrorist groups have carried out bombings resulting in injuries and death," it noted. The travel warning cited a bus bombing in Mindanao last October 10 that claimed 10 lives, adding an investigation is underway to determine if this was a terrorist act. It also mentioned that sporadic clashes have occurred between lawless groups and state security forces in North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, and Maguindanao, as well as the Sulu Archipelago, since August 2008. The US advisory likewise noted kidnap-for-ransom gangs are active throughout the Philippines and have targeted foreigners. It said US government employees must seek special permission for travel to Mindanao or the Sulu archipelago. Also, it said travelers to these areas should remain vigilant and avoid congregating in public areas. "Some foreigners who reside in or visit Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago hire their own security," it suggested. State of emergency The US State Department noted the Philippine government declared a state of emergency on Nov. 24, 2009, a day after the massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao. It said the state of emergency applies to Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat, as well as Cotabato City. "While the elections have passed, this state of emergency is still in effect. Travelers should be aware of heightened police activity and significant military presence in these areas. They should carefully research restrictions imposed upon travel and follow the instructions of government officials with regards to limitations on movement," it said. Also, it said US citizens traveling, living, and working throughout the Philippines are urged to exercise heightened caution in public gathering places. "US citizens should exercise caution when traveling in the vicinity of demonstrations since they can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence," it said. The State Department encouraged 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, tel. 63-2-301-2000. Its American Citizens Services (ACS) section's fax number is 63-2-301-2017. The ACS also has a web site. — With Andreo C. Calonzo/LBG/RSJ/HS/VVP/JV, GMANews.TV