UK, Canada warn citizens of terror threats in RP

The United Kingdom and Canada warned their respective citizens of potential terrorist threats in the Philippines following the Glorietta 2 blast that killed at least nine persons Friday. In separate travel advisories updated Friday night and Saturday morning (Manila time), both governments exhorted their nationals to be careful in all parts of the country. “On October 19, 2007, an explosion occurred at a shopping centre in Makati City in Manila. A number of people were killed and several others were injured. Canadians should be vigilant and comply with all security procedures. Anything suspicious should be reported immediately to the nearest security authority," the Canadian government said in its advisory updated after midnight Friday (www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=239000#3). It added continuing reports suggest that there is “an ongoing terrorist threat to Westerners and Western interests in the Philippines." Philippine authorities have warned that there may be bomb attacks in Manila and other key cities, it added. “Visitors can expect to be subject to frequent security checks at public and private facilities, including shopping malls and public transportation. Despite a number of highly publicized arrests of persons allegedly associated with terrorist groups, the threat of terrorist actions remains. Travel at night outside of metropolitan areas should be avoided, particularly in Mindanao," it said. Bombings and crime-related shootings have occurred in Mindanao, Manila and other parts of the country, and explosive devices continue to be discovered by security authorities, it added. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada also reiterated its advice against all travel to the Sulu Archipelago, Basilan, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga del Sur, Saragani, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao “unless (Canadian nationals) have critical or compelling business or family reasons." For its part, the British government reiterated its advice to its nationals to be wary of possible terrorist attacks in the Philippines, following Friday’s blast in Glorietta 2. In an advisory updated Friday night (Manila time), the United Kingdom Embassy also reiterated its advice against all travel to Mindanao due to ongoing terrorist activity. “There was an explosion in the Glorietta Mall in central Manila on 19 October 2007. There have been a number of deaths as a result. The cause of the explosion is not yet known," it said in its website (http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386343). On the other hand, it noted frequent terrorist attacks against civilian targets throughout Mindanao, the most recent of which was last Oct. 5 where two bombs exploded in Kidapawan City and killed two and injuring 30 others. It also advised against all travel to the Sulu archipelago including Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo, where there are ongoing military and police operations against insurgent groups. “There is a high threat from terrorism throughout the Philippines. Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out these attacks at any time and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets in public places including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers," it said. - GMANews.TV