Hong Kong issues black travel advisory on PHL over terrorism threats

The Hong Kong (HK) government issued a black travel advisory on the Philippines over terrorism threats, four months after it issued a similar advisory immediately after the August 23 hostage crisis in Manila this year. According to the Hong Kong government's Security Bureau, "some overseas administrations" warned against possible terrorist attacks in Manila. "Some overseas administrations had noted the heightened risk on possible terrorist attacks in Manila, including places frequented by foreigners, such as large shopping malls and convention centres," it said on its December 13 advisory. A black travel advisory discourages travel to the Philippines. The Hong Kong advisory contained links to the advisories issued in November by seven countries: the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Australia, New Zealand, and China. France and the United States have since updated their advisories. An English translation of China's advisory dated November 5 mentioned "regional security tensions" and did not appear to make references to terrorism. China said its citizens should "avoid crowded places in Manila." Hong Kong first issued its black travel advisory against the Philippines on Aug. 23, when eight Hong Kong tourists were killed along with their hostage-taker, dismissed police Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza. Philippine tourism officials have been trying to recover from the hostage-taking incident. – VVP, GMANews.TV