Canada warns of bombings, 'ongoing terror threat' in RP

Canada warned its residents against possible bomb attacks, including in Metro Manila, as it cited an “ongoing terrorist threat" to westerners and western interests in the Philippines. In a travel advisory updated Wednesday (Manila time), the Canadian government said visitors should expect frequent security checks at public and private facilities, including malls and public transportation. “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 said in its website (www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=239000#3). However, it did not mention Tuesday night’s blast at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City that killed at least three persons and wounded at least 12 others. The Canadian government advised citizens to “be vigilant and comply with all security procedures." It ranked the Philippines as “Exercise high degree of caution" on its travel “scale," and “Avoid all travel" for Mindanao. “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 added. On the other hand, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advised against all travel to the Sulu Archipelago, Basilan, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Zamboanga del Sur, Saragani, Davao del Sur (excluding urban areas of Davao City), South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao “unless they have critical or compelling business or family reasons." “There is a threat of a terrorist attack, which could occur at anytime in this region. In the recent past there have been several bombings in a number of locations, including (but not limited to) Cotabato, Kidapawan and General Santos City causing several deaths and numerous injuries," it said. Earlier, following the blast at the Batasan Complex that killed three and injured 12 Tuesday night, the United Kingdom reiterated its warning to its nationals to be careful in traveling in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao. In its travel advisory updated Tuesday night, the UK embassy cited the explosion that occurred at the Batasan Complex, which houses the House of Representatives. “There was an explosion at Congress in Quezon City, Metro Manila on 13 November 2007. There have been a number of injuries as a result. The cause of the explosion is not yet known," it said in its advisory (www.britishembassy.gov.uk). On the other hand, it said the incident has not changed the overall level of the advice, which included caution against all travel to Mindanao because of ongoing terrorist activity. It noted earlier that there are frequent terrorist attacks against civilian targets throughout Mindanao. Also, the UK government 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. It added there is a threat of kidnapping throughout the Philippines. “We continue to believe that terrorists and criminal elements plan to kidnap foreign tourists from islands and coastal areas in the southern Philippines-i.e. Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. The most recent kidnap of a foreign national occurred in June 2007. Kidnappings from other parts of the Philippines cannot be discounted, with boats travelling to and from offshore islands and dive sites possible targets," it said. - GMANews.TV