US, Australia warn of terror attacks in Central Mindanao

The United States Embassy in Manila on Friday warned that a terrorist group might be plotting bomb attacks in Central Mindanao in the coming days as it advised Americans in the Philippines to avoid traveling to the region. “Although the information does not specify a particular location, US citizens should carefully consider plans to visit Central Mindanao," an embassy statement sent through it's warden system said. For US citizens living and working in Central Mindanao, the embassy urged them to “reassess their personal security and to keep a low profile and should avoid public gathering places." It said Americans should also avoid high-profile events such as the Palarong Pambansa games that will open in Koronadal City from April 22 to 28. Government forces have tightened the security to prevent any terror attacks by Muslim militants during the holding of week-long annual athletic talent search. A Task Force Palaro, composed of policemen and military, was formed to look into the security of the participants. Meanwhile, the Australian government also reiterated its travel ban on Mindanao, which it listed as a “very high threat of terrorist attack." The embassy told its citizens to avoid traveling anywhere in Mindanao, particularly Sulu, Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi, the stronghold of Muslim extremist groups. “Recent credible information indicates terrorists may be in the advanced stages of attack planning. The attacks may be imminent and could occur at any time, anywhere in Mindanao. Davao City may be a particular target," the advisory issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said. “We strongly advise you not to travel to Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago because of the very high threat of terrorist attack, including kidnapping, and related counter-terrorism operations," it added. The embassy listed the following possible terrorist targets: places of worship, restaurants, shopping malls including mega malls, hotels, hostels, guesthouses, bars or clubs in major population centers, including but not limited to Davao City, Carmen, Isulan, Kidapawan, Cagayan de Oro City, General Santos City, Cotabato City, Maganoy and Pagadian. The advisories from US and Australia came in the wake of the beheading Thursday of seven workers by the Abu Sayyaf Group. - GMANews.TV