UK issues travel advisory vs Mindanao over terror activity

A day after a bomb killed at least eight people in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat, the United Kingdom advised its nationals Wednesday night against all travel to all areas in Mindanao. In its travel advisory updated Wednesday night (Manila time), the UK government indicated it believes that terrorist activity in the Mindanao region is still ongoing. "We advise against all travel to Mindanao because of ongoing terrorist activity," it said on its website www.britishembassy.gov.uk. The advisory was the first following the bombing Tuesday. The United States embassy earlier came out with an advisory that discouraged its citizens from venturing near political gatherings. It cited initial reports that at least three were killed and 21 injured. Police in Sultan Kudarat said Wednesday the death toll had gone up to eight. On the other hand, the UK reiterated its advice 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 foreigners," it said. It added there is a threat of kidnapping from terrorists and criminal elements who plan to kidnap foreign tourists from islands and coastal areas in the southern Philippines, particularly Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. The UK added kidnappings from other parts of the Philippines cannot be discounted, and that boats travelling to and from offshore islands and dive sites are possible targets. Also, the UK reiterated its advice to stay away from political activities as the May 14 mid-term elections draw near. "Mid-term elections will be held in the Philippines on 14 May 2007. There is the potential for politically motivated violence during the election period. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid large crowds, political gatherings and demonstrations," it said. In advising against all travel to Mindanao, the UK Embassy cited several terrorist attacks in the last 12 months, which included: * A Jan. 10 attack where three bombs exploded in various locations in Mindanao (General Santos City, Kidapawan City and Cotabato City), killing seven people and injuring at least 27 others. * A Jan. 5 attack where a bomb exploded in South Cotabato, Mindanao, injuring two people. * An attack last Oct. 10 where there were two explosions in Mindanao, including one in Tacurong that killed six and wounded 34; and in Makilala (Cotabato Province). On Oct. 11 2006, there was another explosion in Mindanao in Cotabato City. * An attack on June 23 2006, where a bomb exploded in Maguindanao province, killing five and wounding 10. "The Philippine authorities have declared a heightened level of alert in Mindanao and Metro Manila and roadblocks have been activated across Mindanao," it said. - GMANews.TV