UK reiterates advice vs crime as holidays draw closer

Published October 27, 2011 9:50am

As the holidays draw closer, the United Kingdom issued to its nationals in the Philippines a warning against crime. In its travel advice on the Philippines on Wednesday, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) noted a high incidence of violent crime, including gun crime. "There is a high incidence of street crime and robberies, which often increases during the holiday season," it said. The FCO noted that over 95,000 British tourists visited the Philippines in 2010 with most visits being trouble-free. Still, the FCO cautioned its nationals to be vigilant when traveling on public transport. "Armed hold-ups have occurred on jeepneys and buses in the Philippines, and have in some cases resulted in fatalities. The roadworthiness of some of these vehicles is also a concern," it added. It particularly cited last year's Manila hostage tragedy that killed eight Hong Kong tourists and the hostage-taker, a dismissed policeman. The "sensible precautions" suggested by the FCO include:

arranging to be met at the airport or using hotel transfer services;

using a driver or taxis from a reputable source and avoiding displays of cash or jewelry.

beware of strangers offering drinks or confectionery as criminals intent on robbery may lace these to render the victim unconscious. "Even well-lit and busy city areas cannot be assumed to be safe," it noted. The FCO also said criminal gangs sometimes use terrorist tactics, such as kidnapping and explosions. It added there is a threat from kidnapping-for-ransom in Philippines. - VVP, GMA News

Tags: unitedkingdom, terrorism