US citizens warned vs. travel to Davao, Cotabato, Zambo cities

The United States has "further restricted" its personnel from traveling to three cities in the Mindanao area.

In a security message, the US Embassy in Manila alerted US citizens residing in or traveling to the Philippines about the restriction on US Embassy personnel in Manila.

"(E)ffective immediately, the Embassy has further restricted its personnel’s travel to Davao City, Cotabato City, and Zamboanga City," it said.

The Embassy also reminded all US citizens "to remain vigilant and maintain an appropriate level of personal security in all circumstances."

It advised them to review their personal safety plans, remain aware of their surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news sources for updates.

Last Jan. 30, the US State Department warned its citizens of the risks of travel to Sulu archipelago, which is also in Mindanao, "due to the high threat of kidnapping of international travelers and violence linked to insurgency and terrorism there."

Last July 1, Australia barred its embassy staff from traveling to Davao, Cotabato and Zamboanga cities "until further notice," citing a possible threat from terrorist groups.

"(F)or security reasons, as of 1 July 2013, all travel by embassy staff to Davao City, Cotabato City and Zamboanga City has been cancelled until further notice," it said.

The advisory came two days after Canada reiterated its warning to its nationals against travel to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and its vicinity.

"There is a serious threat of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in this region. On July 1, 2013, the Embassy of Australia in Manila halted all embassy staff travel to Davao City, Cotabato City and Zamboanga City until further notice. On May 29, 2013, the Embassy of the United States in Manila warned U.S. citizens in the Zamboanga region of Mindanao to be extremely vigilant following a credible threat of a terrorist plot to kidnap foreigners for ransom in that area," it said.

Canada has also advised its nationals against travel to Davao City. — KBK, GMA News