Aussies in PHL told: Be vigilant vs bin Laden-related attacks

Nearly a month after the killing of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, Australia warned its nationals in the Philippines to remain vigilant for possible terrorist attacks by groups allied with slain terrorist leader Osama bin Laden. In an update on its travel advisory, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised Australians in all parts of the Philippines to "exercise continued security vigilance." "Australians in all parts of the Philippines are advised to exercise continued security vigilance following the death of Osama bin Laden on 2 May," it said. Bin Laden was killed in an American operation in Pakistan. His death prompted America's allies to tighten security in case of retaliatory or sympathy attacks by bin Laden's allies. In the Philippines, the bandit group Abu Sayyaf is allied with bin Laden's Al-Qaeda terrorist network. Australia also reiterated its advice to its nationals to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines "because of the high threat of terrorist attack and high level of serious crime." "Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks," it said. "Terrorist attacks, including bombings, are possible any time, anywhere in the Philippines, including in Manila. We continue to receive credible reports indicating terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners," it added. 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, convention centers, places of worship, public transport including buses and bus terminals, ferries and trains, schools, tourist areas, festivals, outdoor recreation and major sporting events. "Infrastructure associated with the Philippines Government such as airports, airfields, sea ports, railways, roads, military facilities, oil depots, power and telecommunications facilities and public buildings are also potential terrorist targets," it added. Australia also "strongly" advised its nationals not to travel to mainland Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago, including Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi "due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, including kidnapping and related counter-terrorism operations." It said armed clashes between Philippine security forces and insurgent groups, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), could occur without warning, particularly in central Mindanao. While a ceasefire and peace talks were announced in late July 2009, further intermittent clashes could occur, it said. It added there is also a continuing high threat of terrorist attack and a high threat of kidnappings against westerners in towns and cities in North Cotabato, Sarangani, and South Cotabato, including General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, including Iligan City. "Credible information indicates terrorists may be in the advanced stages of planning attacks. Attacks may be imminent and could occur at any time, anywhere in Mindanao. Attacks could occur in the lead up to and following religious celebrations," Australia said. More cops deployed to Boracay At least 50 more policemen were deployed to world-famous island resort Boracay in Western Visayas to secure tourists there. Western Visayas police director Chief Superintendent Cipriano Querol Jr. downplayed speculations his order was due to terrorist threats, radio dzXL reported. He said he wanted to be sure there will be no chance of retaliatory attacks by supporters of slain Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Querol said he is not discounting the possibility of such attacks on tourist destinations. The dzXL report said the 50 added police personnel were assigned to the Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office (BSTPO). Most of the reassigned police personnel were from the Philippine National Police's Regional Mobile Group based in Negros Occidental. — LBG, GMA News