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Australia renews warning vs. terror in PHL


Australia on Thursday renewed its warning against the possible terrorism threats and crime in the Philippines. On its September 29 travel advice, Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Australians should exercise a high degree of caution. "We advise you 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. 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 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," it added. Australia urged its nationals to avoid places deemed to be terrorist targets, 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. The Australian government agency also cited as potential terrorist targets infrastructure associated with the Philippine government such as:
  • airports
  • airfields
  • sea ports
  • railways
  • roads
  • military facilities
  • oil depots
  • power facilities
  • telecommunications facilities, and
  • public buildings. Kidnapping threats Meanwhile, Australia said there is a danger of kidnapping throughout the Philippines, particularly in the southern part of the country, including:
  • coastal and island tourist resorts,
  • dive sites, and
  • live-aboard dive boats. "Terrorists have kidnapped foreigners from these areas in the past. On 12 July 2011, two US citizens and their Filipino relative were kidnapped from an island near Zamboanga City. They remain in captivity," it said. Violent crime Australia said violent crime is a significant problem in the Philippines, with criminal gangs that drug and rob or assault unsuspecting tourists active in Manila, including the Makati central business district, and in provincial resort towns. Australia also advised its nationals to reconsider travel to eastern Mindanao (including Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur) due to "very high levels of violent crime." "We strongly advise you not to travel to central and western Mindanao (including the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Cotabato City, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Saranggani, Misamis Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and the Sulu Archipelago and surrounding waters) due to the very high threat of terrorist attack kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups," it said. Australia also told its nationals to take taxis sourced from hotels, which it said are more reliable than those hailed on the street. "Avoid travel on public buses, light rail and jeepneys where possible as opportunistic crime may occur. Armed hold-ups have occurred and in some cases have led to fatalities," it said. - VVP, GMA News
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