UK warns against traveling to Mindanao due to terror threats

The United Kingdom (UK) has warned its citizens against traveling to some areas in the Mindanao region in the Philippines due to clashes between government forces and insurgent groups as well as terrorist activities.

"The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago because of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups," UK said in a travel advisory.

The UK also advised its citizens against "all but essential travel" to the remainder of Mindanao, excluding the islands of Camiguin, Dinagat and Siargao, as well as to the south of Cebu province, including the municipalities of Dalaguete and Badian.

The UK reminded its citizens to be vigilant at all times especially in public places and report anything suspicious to authorities.

"Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out attacks at any time and anywhere in the country, including in places visited by foreigners, like airports, shopping malls, public transport, including the metro system, and places of worship," the UK said.

The country cited the explosion incident at a shopping mall in Cotabato City on December 31 where two persons were killed while dozens were injured.

Martial law

The bombing occurred even if the entire Mindanao region is under martial law.

The UK also reminded its citizens about curfews and checkpoints in Mindanao due to the implementation of martial law, advising them to monitor media reports and follow local authorities.

"A ‘state of national emergency on account of lawless violence’ remains in place across the rest of the country. Expect random checkpoints, security patrols and a more visible routine security presence," it said.

"You should co-operate with the Philippine authorities and allow extra time to pass through security checks. Make sure you carry a form of identification with you," it added.

The UK also mentioned that there has been a high volume of street crime and robbery incidents throughout the Philippines as well as the high number of kidnapping incidents against foreigners.

UK also urged its citizens to take precautionary measures against volcanic eruptions and typhoons which hit the country.

UK said its citizens may contact the nearest British embassy during an emergency.

"Consular support is severely limited in parts of the Philippines where we advise against travel, and limited in the areas we advise against all but essential travel. Full consular support is available in all other areas," it said.

According to UK, more or less 154,000 British nationals visited the Philippines in 2015.

'Better shape'

Despite the bombing in Cotabato City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Mindanao's security situation under martial law has never been better.

“Safety- and security-wise, the people of Mindanao are in a much better shape now due to the signed peace agreements with MNLF [Moro National Liberation Front] and recently the MILF [Moro Islamic Liberation Front] that brought, despite some challenges, a much more stable peace and security and much more positive economic outlook in Mindanao than at any other times in its history,” PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Benigno Durana told GMA News Online.

Malacañang has extended its condolences to the families of the victims of the Cotabato blast as it vowed justice. —KBK, GMA News