Travel Advisory Warning to the Philippines

I am glad, Marinduque is not included in this travel Advisory warning. I was reading the news today and I learned that there is still a travel advisory for US and British citizens to the Philippines specifically in Mindanao and Metro Manila. The travel advisory in the Philippines was issued for US and British citizens to South-west Mindanao and around Manila in the Pasay Neighborhood effective today and until October 10, 2012. The following message is from the UK government website.

We advise against all travel to south-west Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of on-going terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups. We advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao for the same reason. See Safety and Security - Terrorism and Safety and Security - Local Travel.

The US Embassy in Manila has issued a message advising of a threat against US citizens in Manila, particularly in the Pasay City neighbourhood. The threat is considered to be in effect until 10 October 2012. Any attack could be indiscriminate and we advise British nationals to exercise particular caution and extra vigilance in places frequented by expatriates and foreign nationals.

There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Such places could include, but are not limited to, airports, shopping malls, places of worship etc.

There is a threat from kidnapping in the Philippines, particularly in the south. Kidnapping could occur anywhere, including on coastal and island resorts and dive boats and sites in the Sulu Sea.

There is a risk of flooding in many areas throughout the monsoon season. Travellers should check news and weather updates regularly and follow the advice of local authorities. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) provide local weather forecasts. Approximately twenty typhoons hit the Philippines each year. The monsoon season in the Philippines normally runs from June to November. Most typhoons occur during this period but they can affect the country at any time. Travellers should check news and weather updates regularly and follow the advice of local authorities. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) provide local weather forecasts.

The European Commission announced an operating ban on all air carriers certified in the Philippines from 1 April 2010. This follows an audit of the Philippines carried out by ICAO in October 2009. The EU ban has been imposed because the Philippine regulatory authority is unable to verify that these airlines comply with international safety standards. We recommend that you avoid flying with Philippine-certified airlines subject to the EU operating ban.

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 anytime and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Such places could include, but are not limited to, airports, shopping malls, public transport, places of worship etc.

There is also a threat from kidnapping in the Philippines particularly in the southern Philippines. Kidnapping could occur anywhere, including on coastal and island resorts and on dive boats and sites in the Sulu Sea. Foreigners have been targeted in rural, urban and coastal areas in the past. On 1 February two foreign nationals were kidnapped from Parangan in the township of Panglima Sugala in the Tawi Tawi island province. On 5 December 2011, an Australian citizen was kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibugay. On 12 July 2011 two US citizens and a Philippine national were kidnapped from a resort on the island of Tictabon near the southern port city of Zamboanga. You should be aware that it is the long-standing policy of the British Government not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

The Philippine government is taking action against the terrorist and kidnapping threat. It has tightened security in Metro Manila and other areas considered at high risk, including airports and seaports.